cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring the variation in state-level prescription utilization using a triangulation of analytic methods

Abstract Background Retail prescription fill data have consistently shown wide variation in prescription drug utilization across states, with state-level rates ranging from 8.5 to 19.3 filled prescriptions per capita per year. Empirical explanations for this wide variation have not yet been sought. Objectives To examine which factors potentially explain the wide variation in prescription drug utilization across US states. Methods Summary data (proportions, counts, rates, etc) on sociodemographics, health, insurance, provider density, health service use, and retail prescription drug fills for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, from 2008 to 2010, were retrieved from multiple national data sources, such as the Kaiser Family Foundation's "State Health Facts" Web Portal. Pooled cross-sectional linear, negative binomial, and ordered logit multivariable regressions were used to model states' prescription utilization as a function of the aforementioned possible explanatory variables. Principal components analysis also was employed so as to overcome high correlations among some of the covariates. Results Among US states, higher levels of employer-sponsored insurance or Medicaid coverage were associated with both higher levels of prescription utilization and a higher likelihood of being in upper utilization quartiles. A higher density of nurse practitioners was also positively associated with both the level of utilization and the likelihood of higher utilization, whereas a higher density of active physicians was associated with opposite effects. Higher prevalence of physical activity was associated with lower utilization levels as well as a lower likelihood of high utilization. State-level prevalence of chronic conditions and poor health mattered only for the level of prescription utilization. States' sociodemographics were not significantly associated with prescription utilization. Conclusions This study suggests that higher prescription utilization across states was associated with the variations in provider types, Medicaid and private insurance coverage, as well as the prevalence of chronic diseases. Further investigation of how each of these factors may contribute to a particular state's prescription drug utilization level is needed.
Psychiatry, Racism and Aging*

: The basis for present inadequacies in the treatment of aged black psychiatric patients is discussed. Training programs in psychiatry should include working with people of a different race. The philosophical and social aspects of black culture should receive more attention. There is often a direct relationship between social status and type of mental illness. Many of the black patient's problems are related to race, and he is confronted with more obstacles in obtaining appropriate help. For elderly black people, there is pressing need for better integration of mental health services with other health and social services.
Automated design for concurrent engineering

Rather than creating a single design and passing it among critiquing agents, Automated Configuration-Design Service (ACDS) generates the entire set of feasible designs at the start of the design process, and narrows it to yield a final design. >
The discovery, fermentation, isolation, and structure of antibiotic A33853 and its tetraacetyl derivative

The structure of antibiotic A33853, isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp., NRRL 12068, is reported. The structure was deduced from an X-ray crystallographic study of its tetraacetyl derivative. Tetraacetyl A33853 is unique because it contains an anhydride moiety, an unexpected product from the reaction of A33853 with acetic anhydride and pyridine.
Sustainable Planning Education as Intercultural Service Learning Kefalonia Program in Sustainable Community Development

This article presents an overview of a community development service learning programme operating in the Greek Ionian Island community of Farsa Village. The philosophical approach of the Kefalonia Program is one of ‘threading the past with the future’. It seeks to combine traditional knowledge with contemporary technologies in order to create a sustainable future for a community that was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1953. The village provides a case study for collaboration, research and community education for students, teachers, researchers, nonprofit organisations, island governments and, in particular, the local Farsan Village community. As a catalyst, the programme has engaged the local community in an active planning process, which both reawakens the dream of village restoration and provides a common vision for the future.
Fluorescence and absorbance of polystyrene in dilute and semidilute solutions

The fluorescence and absorbance of polystyrene in solution have been measured over a wide concentration range for several molecular weights and solvents. The absorbance at wavelengths below 280 nm for these molecular weights and solvents is found to be insensitive to the transition between dilute and semidilute solutions. Self-absorption of the fluorescence results in a much reduced observed monomer emission at high concentration. When this is corrected, the ratio of excimer to monomer fluorescence intensity, I_E/I_M, is essentially constant at low concentrations and at most increases only very slowly and smoothly at higher concentrations. No significant molecular weight or solvent effects on the concentration dependence of I_E/I_M are manifested for these molecular weights and solvents over the concentration range studied. Contrary to previous reports, fluorescence spectroscopy reveals no abrupt transition between dilute and semidilute solutions.
A Case Study on a Capsule Robot in the Gastrointestinal Tract to Teach Robot Programming and Navigation

Despite the increasing importance of robotics, there is a significant challenge involved in teaching this to undergraduate students in biomedical engineering (BME) and other related disciplines in which robotics techniques could be readily applied. This paper addresses this challenge through the development and pilot testing of a bio-microrobotics case study that can be integrated into curricula in BME, electrical and computer engineering (ECE), and other disciplines. This case study is based on the existing technology of wireless capsule endoscopy and centered on a “grand challenge” of building a capsule robot to navigate the human gastrointestinal tract to detect abnormality or to destroy malignant tissues. First, a conceptual design example for building such a capsule robot is presented, followed by a laboratory module that demonstrates robot navigation techniques using Webots simulation. The case study introduces robotic technologies, including robot building components, operating modes, and behavior-based programming, and students experience robot simulation in the laboratory module. The case study developed was pilot tested in three BME and ECE courses at the authors' institution. The evaluation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the case study in enhancing students' understanding of robotics, interdisciplinary skills, and critical thinking. The case study is shown to support challenge-based learning, which promotes adaptive expertise through rapid knowledge building and innovation.
ALLD: An object-oriented mesoscopic simulation program for polar biomolecules in hydrophobic chromatography or biomembranes

The ALLD simulation software implements a mesoscopic lattice method to model hydrophobic chromatographic systems and biomembranes. The basis and some initial results of these applications emphasizing reversed phase chromatography of peptides are reviewed. The program structure and coding are described along with concepts for parallelization to simulate massive systems and large biomolecules. Extensions of the method for simulations with variable temperature, solute and solvent polarization, effects of ionized solutes and added salts and heterogeneous media are presented.
Predictors of Treatment Attrition Among an Outpatient Clinic Sample of Youths With Clinically Significant Anxiety

Predictors of treatment attrition were examined in a sample of 197 youths (ages 5–18) with clinically-significant symptoms of anxiety seeking psychotherapy services at a community-based outpatient mental health clinic (OMHC). Two related definitions of attrition were considered: (a) clinician-rated dropout (CR), and (b) CR dropout qualified by phase of treatment (pre, early, or late phases) (PT). Across both definitions, rates of attrition in the OMHC sample were higher than those for anxious youths treated in randomized controlled trials, and comorbid depression symptoms predicted dropout, with a higher rate of depressed youths dropping out later in treatment (after 6 sessions). Using the PT definition, minority status also predicted attrition, with more African-American youths lost pre-treatment. Other demographic (age, gender, single parent status) and clinical (externalizing symptoms, anxiety severity) characteristics were not significantly associated with attrition using either definition. Implications for services for anxious youths in public service settings are discussed. Results highlight the important role of comorbid depression in the treatment of anxious youth and the potential value of targeted retention efforts for ethnic minority families early in the treatment process.
Oscillations of low-current electrical discharges between parallel-plane electrodes. I. dc discharges

The oscillatory behavior of dc discharges between parallel-plane electrodes (1 cm spacing) at low pressures (0.5\char21{}3 Torr) is measured and compared with models. For hydrogen these discharges are unstable for wide ranges of discharge current below 0.2 mA/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and external circuit resistances above \ensuremath{\approxeq}4000 \ensuremath{\Omega}. Lateral constrictions of the discharge occur over a much more limited range of currents and pressures than do oscillations. Laser-induced photoelectron pulses produce damped oscillations for discharge currents below those at which self-sustained oscillations are observed. The frequency of the oscillations varies approximately as the square root of the discharge current and the damping of the oscillations increases with the discharge current. These results agree with simple models developed in an accompanying paper [this issue, Phelps, Petrovi\ifmmode \acute{c}\else \'{c}\fi{}, and Jelenkovi\ifmmode \acute{c}\else \'{c}\fi{}, Phys. Rev. E 47, 2825 (1993)]. Some data are presented for argon and nitrogen.
Risks associated with conversion of stable patients after liver transplantation to the microemulsion formulation of cyclosporine.

Background Neoral is a microemulsion formulation of cyclosporine that has a better pharmacokinetic profile than the standard formulation (Sandimmune). To prove the safety of converting stable liver transplant patients from Sandimmune to Neoral, we conducted a prospective trial involving 54 patients. Method. The average time from transplantation to conversion was 48.5±21.6 months. Thirty of 54 patients (55%) required a dose reduction during the study for various reasons. Five of 30 patients had the first dose reduction because of increased levels of cyclosporine. Seven patients required more than one dose reduction. Results. Sixteen patients suffered serious adverse events. Six patients had a biopsy-proven rejection. Four of 6 patients had trough cyclosporine levels within 20% of baseline value immediately before developing rejection. Conclusion. Converting patients from the standard formulation to the microemulsion formulation of cyclosporine seems to expose stable patients to unnecessary risks.
Anatomical and functional imaging of congenital heart disease with phase contrast VIPR

Imaging of congenital heart disease usually requires multiple anatomical and functional scans followed by several 2D phase contrast (PC) acquisitions in a variety of oblique scan planes for flow measurements. A new acquisition technique, PC vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction (PC VIPR), that allows for volumetric 3D CINE flow imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution over a large field of view in a reasonable scan time has been developed [1]. The applicability of this approach has been extended by implementing a respiratory gating scheme that allows for free breathing acquisition [2]. The high spatial resolution with isotropic voxels improves image quality compared to standard PC MR by minimizing intravoxel dephasing effects and allows for retrospective data reformatting including flow measurements in arbitrary planes.
Heroin in the Treatment of Morphine Addiction

(1977). Heroin in the Treatment of Morphine Addiction. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 9, Drugs: History and Culture, pp. 193-197.
Modification of the Rheological Properties of Whey Protein Isolate through the Use of an Immobilized Microbial Transglutaminase

A process was developed in which calcium-independent, microbial transglutaminase (mTgase) was immobilized to controlled-pore glass. Avidin was adsorbed to glass beads that had been derivatized and biotinylated. The enzyme was biotinylated and adsorbed to the avidin affinity matrix. Solutions of 8% whey protein isolate (WPI) were then incubated with the mTgase beads, resulting in limited cross-linking of whey proteins. As incubation time increased, intrinsic viscosity increased, gelation temperature decreased, and stronger, more brittle gels were formed upon heating. This process allowed for recycling of the enzyme, eliminated the requirement for a downstream inactivation step, and permitted control over the extent of cross-linking. The functional properties of several batches of WPI were modified using <10 mg of the same enzyme, illustrating the capacity of immobilized enzymes to be used more frequently in applications of this nature.
Analysis of reoperations after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is considered the least invasive surgical option for the treatment of morbid obesity. Its initial popularity has been marred by recent long-term studies showing high complication rates. We sought to examine our experience with gastric banding and factors leading to reoperation. Methods: We reviewed retrospective data of 305 patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding between 2004 and 2011 at a single institution, 42 patients of whom required a reoperation, constituting 13.8%. Patients undergoing elective reoperations for port protrusion from weight loss as a purely cosmetic issue were excluded (n 10). Patients’ demographic data, weight loss, time to reoperation, and complications were analyzed. Results: Of 305 patients, 42 (13.8%) required reoperations: 26 underwent band removal (8.5%) and 16 underwent port revision (5.2%). The mean weight and body mass index for all patients who underwent reoperations were 122.6 kg and 45.0 kg/m 2 , respectively. The most common complication leading to band removal was gastric prolapse (n 14, 4.6%). The most common indication for port revision was a nonfunctioning port (n 10, 3.3%). Conclusion: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding was initially popularized as a minimally invasive gastric-restrictive procedure with low morbidity. Our study showed a 13.8% reoperation rate at 3 years’ follow-up. Most early reoperations (2 years) were performed for port revision, whereas later reoperations (2 years) were likely to be performed for band removal. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is associated with high reoperation rates; therefore bariatric surgeons should carefully consider
Bulk isolation in nonaqueous media of nuclei from lyophilized cells.

Intact lyophilized nuclei are obtainable from a variety of tissues, either in situ or in culture, by freezing at -156°C, drying at -25°C, and mechanical disassociation in glycerol at 2°C. Centrifugal separation of nuclei is accomplished in an 85 : 15 by volume mixture of glycerol and 3-chloro-1,2 propanediol at 2°C. The method gives homogeneous nuclear preparations in high yield with preservation of labile and water-soluble constituents.
The dynamics of seed harvesting in early successional communities by a tropical ant, Solenopsis geminata.

The neotropical ant, Solenopsis geminata, in the moist lowlands of southeastern Mexico was most abundant in agricultural fields and early second growth habitats. It was not found within forest habitats.
A comparison of feedback and reinforcement as modifiers of a functional motor response in a hemiparetic patient

Abstract The effectiveness of feedback and of reinforcement was evaluated for modifying cuptilting behavior in a hemiparetic patient. Feedback was found to be primarily responsible for the desired behavioral change.
Rediscovered Nineteenth-Century Whitman Articles

Reprints previously unnoticed items about Whitman from late nineteenth-century newspapers by "E. K." in the Springfield Republican, Richard Maurice Bucke in the Philadelphia Press, William Hosea Ballou in the Chicago Tribune, and an unsigned piece in the Philadelphia Enquirer.
The challenging role of radiation therapy for very young children with rhabdomyosarcoma.

Purpose: To evaluate local control and toxicity for very young children treated with multimodality therapy for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Methods and Materials: From 1990 to 2004, 20 patients ≤36 months at diagnosis were treated at our institution. Nineteen underwent chemotherapy (CMT), surgery and/or intraoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy (IOHDR), and external-beam radiation (EBRT). Median age was 17 months. Sites included extremity (7), trunk (5), parameningeal (4), orbit (1), head/neck (1), bladder/prostate (1). Histologies consisted of 10 embryonal (53%) and 9 alveolar/undifferentiated (47%). Ten had delayed gross total resection (GTR) at median time of 17 weeks after the start of CMT, and 8 of these underwent IOHDR. Median interval between start of CMT and EBRT was 18 weeks. Median EBRT dose was 36 Gy. EBRT technique was either intensity-modulated (11), three-dimensional (3), or two-dimensional (5). Functional outcome was assessed for patients alive ≥1 year after diagnosis (15) in terms of mild, moderate, or severe deficits. Results: Median follow-up was 33 months for survivors and 23 months for all patients. Two-year actuarial local control, event-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival were 84%, 52%, 74%, and 62%, respectively. All patients who began EBRT ≤18 weeks after the start of CMT had their disease controlled locally. Five have mild deficits and 10 have no deficits. Conclusions: A reduced dose of 36-Gy EBRT after delayed GTR may maximize local control while minimizing long-term sequelae for very young children with RMS, but unresectable tumors (e.g., parameningeal) require higher doses. Normal-tissue-sparing techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy and IOHDR are encouraged. Local control may be maximized when EBRT begins ≤18 weeks after initiation of CMT, but further study is warranted. Longer follow-up is required to determine the full extent of late effects.
A phase II study of weekly topotecan and docetaxel in heavily treated patients with recurrent uterine and ovarian cancers

Objectives A phase II trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of weekly topotecan and docetaxel in heavily treated patients with recurrent uterine or epithelial ovarian cancers.
Investigation of the impact of magnetic permeability and loss of magnetic composite materials on RFID miniaturization for conformal medical applications

The successful implementation of a flexible magnetic composite material has enabled the investigation of the potential impact on RFID (radio frequency identification) and RF passives miniaturization, considering both material-fabrication properties and geometric design parameters. The benchmarking structure is a short-circuited quarter-wavelength rectangular patch antenna for RFID UHF band (400–930 MHz). The antenna is electromagnetically modeled in HFSS full wave EM (electromagnetic) software and optimized using statistical tools, and it is found that the permeability of a practical magnetic composite can enable miniaturization by a factor larger than 3, something that could be replicated for other large-size RF passives, such as integrated inductors. The impact of the magnetic loss of the composite on the miniaturized antenna performance is also evaluated and the material is reformulated to meet the loss requirements. Then a real RFID tag is implemented for 480 MHz frequency band and good performance of the miniaturized antenna is proven both in planar and conformal configurations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated rotating-compensator polarimeter for real-time measurements and analysis of organometallic chemical vapor deposition

Abstract We describe a single-beam rotating-compensator rotating-sample spectroscopic polarimeter (RCSSP) integrated with an organometallic chemical vapor deposition (OMCVD) reactor for in-situ diagnostics and control of epitaxial growth, and report representative results. The rotating compensator generates Fourier coefficients that provide information about layer thicknesses and compositions, while sample rotation provides information about optical anisotropy and therefore surface chemistry. We illustrate capabilities with various examples, including the simultaneous determination of 〈 e 〉 and α 10 during exposure of (001)GaAs to TMG, the heteroepitaxial growth of GaP on GaAs, and the growth of (001)GaSb with TMG and TMSb. Using a recently developed approach for quantitatively determining thickness and dielectric function of depositing layers, we find the presence of metallic Ga on TMG-exposed (001)GaAs. The (001)GaSb data show that Sb deposition is self-limiting, in contrast to expectations.
Lead distribution in near-surface soils of two Florida cities: Gainesville and Miami

Knowledge of the distribution of soil lead (Pb) is useful for making sound environmental decisions. The objective of this study was to determine soil Pb distribution in two Florida urban areas of similar size with different levels of industrial development and population: Gainesville and Miami. About 200 and 240 soil samples were collected within a depth of 0.2 and 0.1 m in Gainesville and Miami, respectively. These samples, from three land-use classes (residential, commercial and public land), were digested using USEPA method 3051a and analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). Soil Pb concentrations varied greatly in both cities, with geometric mean (GM) values of ∼16 and ∼93 mg kg−1 in Gainesville and Miami, respectively. Both the median (15 mg kg−1) and the 95th percentile concentrations (101 mg kg−1) of the whole dataset in Gainesville were below the Florida soil clean-up target level (SCTL, 500 mg kg−1) for residential areas. Although the corresponding values (median and 95th percentile) for Miami were significantly higher, they were also both below the Florida residential SCTL for Pb (98 and 453 mg kg−1, respectively). Residential and commercial areas in both cities showed higher Pb concentrations than public parks. Results from this study can be used as a rough guide on how Pb is distributed in Gainesville and Miami.
Linker-Based Bio-compatible Microemulsions

In this work we have studied the formulation of bio-compatible microemulsions using lecithin as the main surfactant and bio-compatible linker molecules (hexyl polyglucoside as the hydrophilic linker and sorbitan monoleate as the lipophilic linker). These bio-compatible systems are discussed as potential substitutes for chlorinated solvents in dry-cleaning applications and as solvent delivery systems for pharmaceutical applications. Formulation parameters and conditions were evaluated using isopropyl myristate (IPM) as the model oil. It was found that the proposed linker-based formulations were able to form alcohol-free microemulsions while achieving higher solubilization capacity than similar systems reported in the literature. In addition, these lecithin/linker formulations were able to form microemulsions with a wide range of oils, from polar chlorinated hydrocarbons to hydrophobic oils such as squalene. These microemulsions were achieved under isotonic conditions (0.9%NaCl) by only varying the relative...
Postconcussion Symptoms and Cognitive Functioning in Posttraumatic Headache Patients

SYNOPSIS Forty-two patients with posttraumatic headache of at least three months duration following motor vehicle accident completed the Postconcussion Syndrome Checklist which assessed their experience of 10 commonly reported cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms. The patients also completed the Beck Depression Inventory and a brief battery of neuropsychological tests. Results indicated that postconcussion symptoms remained quite prevalent among these subjects. More pronounced postconcussion symptomatology was associated with significantly greater impairment on 6 of 13 measures of neuropsychological functioning. Neither severity of subjects' postconcussion symptoms nor neuropsychological test performance were affected by litigation status. However, depressed subjects reported more severe cognitive and emotional symptoms than did nondepressed subjects. Additional information about postconcussion symptom prevalence and a description of the relationship between self-reported symptoms, cognitive functioning on neuropsychological tests, and depression is provided. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Third-Order Elastic Constants of NaCl and KCl Single Crystals

Measurements have been made to determine the third-order elastic constants of NaCl and KCl single crystals. The relations between the velocities of ultrasonic waves propagating along the [$1\overline{1}0$] and [$\overline{1}\overline{1}2$] directions under a uniaxial compression applied in the [111] direction and the elastic constants were derived. Six velocities of these ultrasonic waves were then measured at room temperatures as functions of the strain using the pulsed-ultrasonic-interference technique. From the present measurements under the $〈111〉$ compression and those under the hydrostatic pressure by Lazarus, eleven equations were obtained for both NaCl and KCl crystals. From these equations, the following five constants (Brugger's definition for the third-order elastic constants) in units of ${10}^{12}$ dyn/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ were solved by the method of least squares: The Cauchy relation ${C}_{456}={C}_{144}$ is seen to be satisfied to within the probable error in both NaCl and KCl crystals at room temperature. By assuming the validity of the other two Cauchy relations, one can estimate the constants ${C}_{111}$, ${C}_{112}$, and ${C}_{123}$ as follows:
n -Person games with only 1, n − 1, and n -person coalitions

A symmetric solution is presented for any von Neumann-Morgenstern n-person game when the only coalitions that are not completely defeated contain n− 1 or n players.
The association of occipitocervical dissociation and death as a result of blunt trauma.

Abstract Background context Despite multiple reports of survivability, dissociative occipitocervical injury (OCI) is generally accepted to be fatal in most cases. The actual number of trauma victims where OCI may have made the difference between life and death is unknown because multiple studies have shown that these injuries can be missed with current diagnostic methods. An improved understanding of the relative importance of OCI in blunt trauma mortality may help to refine protocols for the assessment and treatment of patients who arrive alive to the emergency room after severe blunt trauma. One way to improve our understanding is to document the relative frequency OCI relative to brain, liver, aorta, and spleen injuries in blunt trauma fatalities. Purpose In this study, we aimed to glean a more accurate estimate of the absolute and relative incidence of OCI after death from blunt trauma via a systematic review of data reported in the forensic literature. Study design Systematic literature review. Methods A systematic literature search and review were undertaken. The search aimed to answer three primary questions: What is the true incidence of cervical spine injuries in blunt trauma fatalities? What is the incidence of dissociative OCIs specifically? and What is the incidence of these injuries relative to other common injuries associated with blunt trauma fatalities (central nervous system, spleen, liver, etc)? For that, two search protocols were used and included postmortem studies of blunt trauma mechanism in adult population. Results The mean reported incidence of cervical spine injuries was 49.7% in blunt trauma fatalities. Dissociative OCIs were found to have a mean incidence of 18.1%. The relative frequencies of injuries were 49.7% for cervical spine, 41.8% for central nervous system, 20.8% for liver, 11.2% for spleen, and 10.8% for aorta. Conclusions In this systematic literature review, cervical spine injuries were found to be the most commonly reported finding associated with blunt trauma fatalities, occurring in nearly 50% of cases with occipitocervical dissociation accounting for nearly 20%. Older pathologic studies suggested a lesser overall and relative frequency and may have underestimated their incidence. Typically, these blunt cervical spine injuries were much more commonly found to disrupt the soft tissue stabilizing restraints (ligaments, facet capsules, etc) as opposed to causing bony fractures and, accordingly, were often not detected on plain radiographs. It is likely that the frequency of this injury is underestimated in patients surviving severe blunt trauma, placing them at risk for death from an occult source in the postinjury period. Additional research is needed to determine if improved methods to diagnose OCI and improved patient management protocols to protect against secondary injuries might reduce mortality in blunt trauma victims.
INQUIRY METHOD, GOAL DIFFICULTY, AND CONTEXT EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE

The decision-making in this study compares the performance of the dialectical inquiry (DI) and the devil's advocate (DA) techniques. In addition, the task was structured to include three levels of goal difficulty and three decision-making contexts. Over all contexts, there were no significant differences between the DI and DA methods. When the DI technique was employed, however, the context of the decision appeared to be an important factor. The goal-difficulty factor was associated with significant effects on decision quality only when individuals were divided according to their perceptions of goal relevancy and meaning. Finally, the order in which the contexts were considered was important.
Selective ion‐molecule reactions of 2,5‐dimethylpyrrole‐γ‐butyrolactone with dimethyl ether ions

The use of bimolecular reactions as selective and sensitive diagnostic probes of analytically relevant molcules has undergone rapid development, especially with the increasing availability of ion trapping techniques which allow detailed examination of ion-molecule reactions. In this report, selective ion-molecule reactions of 2,5-dimethylpyrrole-γ-butyrolactone with protonated dimethyl ether and methoxymethylene cations (CH3OCH2+) are described. A quadrupole ion trap and a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer are used to examine the bimolecular and dissociation reactions of γ-butyrolactone and 2,5-dimethylpyrrole, both of which are the building blocks of a more complex bicyclic substrate, 2,5-dimethylpyrrole-γ-butyrolactone. All three compounds are protonated by ion-molecule reactions with dimethyl ether ions. The γ-butyrolactone also reacts with CH3OCH2+ to produce [M + 15]+ ions (by methyl cation attachment), whereas 2,5-dimethylpyrrole reacts to form [M + 13]+ ions (by methylene substitution). The bicyclic substrate reacts with CH3OCH2+ to form only the [M + 13]+ adduct, which indicates that the pyrrole ring mediates the reaction chemistry. By comparing the reactions of model compounds and by using collisional-activated dissociation techniques, the site of the methylene substitution reaction was determined to be a double bond of the pyrrole ring.
Nonsporeforming bacteria in the armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta, under gnotobiotic conditions

Abstract Several common species of bacteria were added singly or in pairs to axenic cultures of fifth instar, Pseudaletia unipuncta larvae. Significant host mortality occurred in monoxenic and dixenic tests involving Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Dixenic combination aided infection by S. marcescens but inhibited infection by P. aeruginosa . Investigations with the various bacteria failed to reveal any invasive mechanisms. Bacteriophage infection of S. marcescens did not measurably influence its effect on the xenic host. Infected host insects usually died at molt or at pupation. This may be related to bacterial activity noted opposite the pyloric sphincter and possible weakening of the gut or breakage at that site. An egg blackening condition was also noted but its etiology was not clarified. Most of the bacteria tested were not pathogenic under monoxenic or dixenic conditions, and some were apparently useful to the host nutritionally. Deficient diets complicated the bacteria-host relationships. The physical and chemical environment of the gut, plant-derived antibacterial substances, and enteric bacterial interactions are all important factors in determining the influence of the gut flora on the survival of the armyworm.
Production of microbially-derived fulvic acid from photolysis of quinone-containing extracellular products of phytoplankton

Photochemical and microbial processes in surface waters can result in changes in the chemical quality of dissolved organic matter (DOM), which may in turn influence other ecosystem processes. Microbially-derived non-humic DOM can enter the aquatic ecosystem through extracellular release. Further, it has been hypothesized that microbially-derived fulvic acid can form through condensation reactions involving non-humic DOM. We used spectroscopic measurements and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) modeling to characterize whole water and fulvic acid fractions of DOM at the outlet of an alpine lake in the Colorado Rocky Mountains during snowmelt through the summer growing season. Monitoring of the biogeochemical conditions at the outlet of the lake and conservative transport modeling of the PARAFAC components showed that quinone-like moieties of the microbially-derived non-humic DOM became more oxidized than the quinone-like moieties of the microbially-derived fulvic acid. Our findings suggest that while both microbial activity and photochemical processes play an important role in DOM cycling in lakes, some process directly correlated with hydraulic residence time may be particularly important for the redox active fraction of the non-humic DOM. Furthermore, biological monitoring results indicate that temporal changes in DOM chemistry cannot be attributed to changes in the biovolume of any one group of phytoplankton or the total number of bacteria. We present a conceptual model of biogeochemical processes influencing the production and decay of quinone-like moieties associated with the microbially-derived non-humic and fulvic acid fractions of the DOM in the lake. Additionally, we propose that the formation of microbially-derived fulvic acid is driven by photolysis of the microbially derived non-humic DOM pool and possibly associated condensation reactions.
The Promise and Challenges of Incorporating Genetic Data into Longitudinal Social Science Surveys and Research

In this paper, I argue that social science and genomics can be integrated; however, the way this marriage is currently occurring rests on spurious methods and assumptions and, as a result, will yield few lasting insights. However, recent advances in both econometrics and in developmental genomics provide scientists with a novel opportunity to understand how genes and environment interact to produce social outcomes. Key to any causal inference about the interplay between genes and social environment is that either genotype be exogenously manipulated (i.e. through sibling fixed effects) while environmental conditions are held constant, and/or that environmental variation is exogenous in nature, i.e. experimental or arising from a natural experiment of sorts. Further, initial allele selection should be motivated by findings from genetic experiments in model animal studies linked to orthologous human genes. Likewise, genetic associations found in human population studies should then be tested through knock-ou...
Thermal-shock behavior of a Nicalon-fiber-reinforced hybrid glass-ceramic composite

Abstract A Nicalon-fiber-reinforced hybrid composite with a matrix of barium magnesium aluminosilicate (BMAS) glass with silicon carbide whiskers was subjected to thermal shock from elevated to ambient temperatures. The combination of SiC whisker and BMAS glass resulted in a hybrid matrix with a lower thermal expansion than that of the fibers, inducing tensile stresses in the fiber upon thermal shock. This stress state resulted in microstructural damage in the form of fiber cracking and cracking along the fiber/matrix interface, as opposed to the conventional matrix cracking which is typically observed in ceramic-matrix composites. Significant damage in the composite was only observed after three thermal shock cycles. Flexural resonance measurements, used to evaluate thermal shock-induced changes in Young's modulus, showed a reduction in modulus that correlated well with the onset of microstructural damage. Finally, fiber push-out tests, performed to evaluate changes in fiber/matrix interface strength after thermal cycling, indicated a slight decrease in interfacial strength, which was attributed to recession of the carbon-rich fiber surface during thermal shock.
A Bifurcation Theory Approach to the Programming of Periodic Attractors in Network Models of Olfactory Cortex

A new learning algorithm for the storage of static and periodic attractors in biologically inspired recurrent analog neural networks is introduced. For a network of n nodes, n static or n/2 periodic attractors may be stored. The algorithm allows programming of the network vector field independent of the patterns to be stored. Stability of patterns, basin geometry, and rates of convergence may be controlled. For orthonormal patterns, the learning operation reduces to a kind of periodic outer product rule that allows local, additive, commutative, incremental learning. Standing or traveling wave cycles may be stored to mimic the kind of oscillating spatial patterns that appear in the neural activity of the olfactory bulb and prepyriform cortex during inspiration and suffice, in the bulb, to predict the pattern recognition behavior of rabbits in classical conditioning experiments. These attractors arise, during simulated inspiration, through a multiple Hopf bifurcation, which can act as a critical "decision point" for their selection by a very small input pattern.
Association between child immunization and availability of health infrastructure in slums in India.

Objective To examine the association between presence of an urban health center (UHC) in proximity to a slum and immunization status of slum children in a city in India. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Slums of Agra, India. Participants Data were obtained from a baseline survey conducted by the US Agency for International Development Environmental Health Project in 2005 in slums in Agra. The study population consisted of 1728 children aged 10 to 23 months. Information about children's immunization was obtained from interviews with mothers aged 15 to 44 years. Main Exposure Availability and proximity to a UHC that provides immunization services. Main Outcome Measures Immunization status of children, which was measured as “complete” if the child had received 1 dose of BCG vaccine, 3 doses each of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus and oral polio vaccines, and 1 dose of measles vaccine; “partial” if any 1 or more vaccines were missing; and “not” if no vaccine was received. Adjusted relative risk ratios compared children receiving complete or partial immunization with those not immunized. Results Adjusted models showed that presence of a UHC within 2 km of a slum was associated with more than twice the likelihood of children being completely (relative risk ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-3.66) or partially (relative risk ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-3.50) immunized. Conclusions We found that presence of a UHC was positively associated with immunization status of children in slums. These results suggest a need for greater public attention to expand coverage of slums through UHCs.
Too Much of the “Red Book” is Still (!) Ahead of its Time

The committee that prepared the National Research Council's (NRC's) report Risk Assessment in the Federal Government: Managing the Process, called the “Red Book,” envisioned that ad hoc risk assessments would be supplanted by assessments that relied on “uniform inference guidelines;” that is, on a comprehensive “road map” through the four-step process that explained why particular assumptions or models would be used at each inference point in the absence of data to the contrary. Twenty years later, no Federal agency has yet developed such guidelines. The EPA has come closest, but its much-debated Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment fall far short of revealing what it regards as the “default” assumption at each inference point (and why!), which alternatives are potentially credible, and what type and quality of information will be necessary to discard the default in favor of a more sophisticated or case-specific alternative. Nor do the EPA guidelines shed any light on the central science-policy quest...
MRI of surgically created pulmonary artery narrowing in the dog.

Narrowing of the pulmonary arteries was created surgically in twelve dogs. In six of the dogs the narrowing was central (main pulmonary artery), and in the remaining six the narrowing was located peripherally at the hilar level of the right pulmonary artery beyond the pericardial reflection. MRI and angiography were performed in all dogs. MRI clearly delineated the site of the pulmonary band and the caliber of the pulmonary artery at the site of the band in all dogs (N=6). MRI was not able to visualize any of the stenosis of the right pulmonary arteries at the hila, beyond the pericardial reflection. In addition, optimal imaging planes to depict each segment of the central pulmonary arteries were determined. The capability to image in oblique planes is essential in evaluating the morphology of the central pulmonary arteries.
Effect of Chronic Aminoguanidine Treatment on Age-Related Glycation, Glycoxidation, and Collagen Cross-linking in the Fischer 344 Rat

Aminoguanidine (AG) is an inhibitor of protein modification by the advanced Maillard reaction. We evaluated its effects in preventing age-related collagen cross-linking, glycation, and glycoxidation in Fischer 344 rats by administering the drug in their drinking water at 1 g/l from the time they were 6 months until they were 24 months of age. Body weight and food and water consumption were consistently recorded throughout the study. Plasma glucose was measured by the glucose oxidase method, and collagen cross-linking was assessed by tail tendon break time (TBT) in urea. Glycation (furosine) and glycoxidation (pentosidine and carboxymethyllysine) were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography in acid hydrolysates of skin and tendon collagen. Water consumption dramatically increased ( p � .0001) after 20 months of age and was accelerated in the control versus AG-treated rats ( p � .0001). Plasma glucose increased approximately 20% at age 19 months in both groups ( p � .0001). TBT, glycation, and glycoxidation all increased significantly ( p � .0001) with age. However, except for a modest decrease of TBT at all ages that approached significance ( p � .077), AG had no effect on collagen glycation or glycoxidation. These results are important because they suggest that � , � -dicarbonyl compounds that can be trapped by aminoguanidine do not play a major role in collagen aging in the rat. Instead, post-Amadori pathways involving oxidative or nonoxidative fragmentation of the Amadori product emerge as the more likely mechanism of collagen cross-linking in aging.
Nanostructured Superconductors With Asymmetric Pinning Potentials: Vortex Ratchets

Ratchets formed from spatially asymmetric confining potentials can rectify an oscillatory driving force and generate directed motion. Such devices can probe the fundamental nature of particle transport in nanoscale systems, both solid state and biological. Vortices in superconductors form an ideal system for exploring ratchet phenomena. Various techniques are available for producing nanostructured pinning landscapes that can provide tailored asymmetries for vortex ratchets. Progress in the theory and experimental implementations of vortex ratchets will be reviewed. In many cases, intervortex interactions in ratchet structures result in intriguing collective effects in the vortex transport, such as reversals in the sense of the rectification. Future vortex ratchet investigations may probe possible quantum mechanical ratchet effects, explore the dynamics of single vortices in ratchets, and test vortex devices based on ratchet phenomena.
Influence of macronutrient intake and anthropometric characteristics on plasma insulin after eccentric exercise

To increase understanding of the interaction between macronutrients and insulin resistance (IR), this study sought to determine the influence of macronutrient intake and anthropometric differences on IR and inflammation responses to eccentric resistance exercise. Men and women (n = 12, 19-36 years old) participated in a crossover study and completed 6 sets of 10 unilateral maximal eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors and extensors followed by controlled diet conditions for the first 8 hours postexercise of carbohydrate/fat/protein proportions of either 75%/15%/10% (CHO) or 6%/70%/24% (FAT/PRO). Fasting glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) variables, and interleukin (IL)-1β were measured preexercise and 23 hours postexercise (additional measures of glucose and insulin 1 hour after meals consumed 0.5, 3, and 7 hours postexercise). Insulin increased more (P < .01) in the CHO compared with the FAT/PRO condition at 1.5, 4, and 8 hours postexercise. Insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-β-cell function increased 23 hours postexercise in both conditions, whereas IL-1β increased 23 hours postexercise only in the CHO condition. Magnitude of change (Δ) for these variables associated positively with body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) in the CHO and inversely in the FAT/PRO condition; that is, r = 0.53 (P = .10) and r = -0.82 (P < .01) for BMI vs Δ insulin in CHO and FAT/PRO conditions, respectively. The Δ IL-1β associated with BMI (r = 0.62, P < .05) and WHR (r = 0.84, P < .01) in the CHO condition. The CHO enhanced IR and inflammation as BMI and WHR increased, whereas fat and protein enhanced IR as BMI and WHR decreased. Thus, BMI and WHR may need to be taken into account in the development of nutritional strategies to prevent IR.
Strategies To Win: Six-Steps For Creating Problem Statements In Doctoral Research

The problem in a doctoral dissertation is the most critical component of the study. (Creswell, 2004; Simon & Francis, 2004; Sproull, 1995). The problem explains the rationale for the study, validates its importance, and determines the research design. Many students do not know how to write a problem statement despite its importance (Simon & Francis, 2004). Currently no systematic process exists to teach students how to write a problem statement. The problem is compounded for distance education students who do not have face-to-face instructor contact. This article will present a six-step method for teaching online doctoral students how to write a problem statement. The process is used at the University of Phoenix Online School of Advanced Studies (SAS).