cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal and electrical conductivities of exfoliated graphite at low temperatures

Abstract The thermal and electrical conductivities of exfoliated graphite foils have been measured along the rolling direction and across it.
Propagation of trachoma virus in cultures of human tissues.

SummaryPropagation of trachoma virus (SA-2 strain) in McCoy cells was shown by 1) appearance of increased numbers of infected cells with serial passage, 2) infectivity of tissue culture fluids for embryonated chicken eggs, and 3) lack of pathogenicity for mice. The latter characteristic helps to differentiate trachoma from psittacosis viruses (2).
Relation of somal lipid synthesis to the fast axonal transport of protein and lipid

The role of somal lipid synthesis in the fast axonal transport of protein and lipid was examined in vitro utilizing spinal/sciatic nerve preparations of bullfrog. Inhibition of phospholipid synthesis in dorsal root ganglia by the amphiphilic cation, fenfluramine (0.1-2.0 mM) was monitored as decreased incorporation of [3H]choline into phosphatidyl choline. This inhibition was directly proportional to a decrease in the amount of [3H]protein undergoing fast axonal transport, the two variables being related by a slope close to unity. [3H]Choline-labeled lipid undergoing fast transport in the axon was unaffected by inhibition of somal phospholipid synthesis. Levels of fenfluramine up to 1.0 mM had no effect on uptake or incorporation of [3H]leucine. Selective exposure of desheathed nerve trunks to 1.0 mM fenfluramine had no effect on [3H]protein translocation, indicating that local phospholipid synthesis is not required to maintain ongoing transport in the axon. Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in the ganglia with the analog 20,25-diazacholesterol also resulted in depression of [3H]protein transport. Since synthesis of both phospholipid and cholesterol are required at the level of the ganglion, it is suggested that the initiation of fast axonal transport of protein is dependent on the assembly of lipoprotein structures in the soma.
Research to Encourage Exercise for Fibromyalgia (REEF): Use of Motivational Interviewing Design and Method

Fibromyalgia (FM), defined as the presence of both chronic widespread pain and the finding of 11/18 tender points on examination, is an illness associated with major personal and societal burden. Supervised aerobic exercise is an important treatment modality to improve patient symptoms. Unfortunately, adherence to an exercise regimen after a structured supervised program is disappointingly low. Since FM is a chronic illness, studies are needed to test strategies that would enhance exercise adherence in these individuals. Individuals who are able to adhere to exercise almost always maintain the symptomatic benefits of exercise. The objective of this paper was to describe the protocol of the Research to Encourage Exercise for Fibromyalgia (REEF). REEF is a randomized attention-controlled trial that seeks to test the efficacy of 6 sessions of telephone delivered motivational interviewing (MI) that targets exercise adherence to improve FM-relevant clinical outcomes (i.e., physical function and pain severity). The trial has recently completed enrolling 216 subjects, and randomization has resulted in well-balanced groups. Details on the study design, MI program, and treatment fidelity are provided in the paper. Outcome assessments at week 12, week 24 and week 36 will test the immediate, intermediate and long-term effects of exercise-based MI on adherence (as measured by the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors/CHAMPS and accelerometer) and clinical outcomes. When completed, REEF will determine whether exercise-based MI could be utilized as a management strategy to sustain the clinical benefits of exercise for FM.
Excitons, biexcitons, and stimulated emission in wide gap II-VI quantum wells

This paper studies excitons and bi-excitons in ternary (Zn,Cd)Se/ZnSe quantum wells, widely used as active region in blue-green laser diodes. Localization on alloy disorder characteristically influences the electronic structure of these excitations and their dynamical behavior. The low-temperature lasing is controlled by bi-excitons. Gain as large as 2 (DOT) 104 cm-1 and optical threshold densities as low as 2 kW cm-2 are observed. Due to their localization-enhanced binding energy, bi-exciton signatures are present up to 150 K.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Queer Pedagogy and/in Religious Studies

An Introduction to the Special Issue of the Bulletin. The essays emerged out of a panel discussion co-sponsored by the “Queer Theory and LGBT Studies Consultation” and the “Teaching Religion Section” at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion. Contributors were invited to produce reflections on teaching religion queerly, teaching religion as a queer thing, subverting conventional definitions of (the) discipline, and teaching religion outside of religious studies departments/programs, among other possible topics.
Wormhole broadcast in star graph networks

Abstract We propose a new broadcasting algorithm in star graph connected networks with wormhole routing. We use the usual single-port communication model with intermediate node reception capability where a node can communicate with a single neighbor at any instant of time. Lower bound under the model is derived and efficient algorithms are developed to achieve broadcasting in O(n) communication time in a star graph Sn (with n! nodes which is sublogarithmic in the number of nodes in the network).
Wind reduction by a highly permeable tree shelter-belt

Abstract Vertical wind profiles above dryland wheat fields were measured simultaneously in the open and at horizontal distances of 2H, 4H, and 8H (H = shelterbelt height) in the lee of a highly permeable tree shelterbelt. Two-dimensional wind reduction patterns in the lee of the shelterbelt are presented. The effects of measurement height and atmospheric stability on the horizontal wind profiles (wind reduction curves) are presented. The wind reduction curves were most consistent during neutral atmospheric conditions. Drag coefficients for the shelterbelt were calculated utilizing the wind reduction curve data in a model by Seginer and Sagi (1972). Shelterbelt drag, characterized by the integrated wind reduction curve or a drag coefficient, is suggested as a practical basis for comparison of the effectiveness of different field shelterbelts. Utilization of the drag coefficients showed the 4-year old highly permeable windbreak was already 1 3 as effective as a fully grown shelterbelt.
Sensory representation in the cerebellum of the catfish

Abstract Sensory representation in the catfish cerebellum was studied with physiological stimuli, with electric shocks applied to peripheral nerves and with electric shocks to central structures of the brain. Evoked field potentials and unit responses were recorded in different places in the cerebellum. In the catfish, different sensory modalities are represented by discrete, only partly overlapping areas of the cerebellum. Most units are unimodal by present criteria; only in the valvula a fraction of the units are responsive to two or more modalities. Visual and somatosensory areas are the largest and they occupy the bulk of the corpus cerebelli and the valvula. In the corpus, most of the visual units are near the midline and in the dorsal tier while the somatosensory units are more lateral and ventral. Mechanical lateral line input is represented in the eminentia granularis and the valvula. Acoustic units are found in the valvula. Electroreceptive units are recorded from the lateral lobus caudalis, and to a lesser degree, from the eminentia granularis and valvula. Sinusoidal tilting and vibration units are in the lobus caudalis pars medialis. Receptive fields of units, regardless of modality, are generally large and diffuse. Some visual units respond best to moving objects. Topographical organization of receptive fields only exists among the somatosensory units. Besides these findings of modality segregation, the features of interest for comparative neurology are the following. Most units are identifiable as Purkinje cells with a characteristic mossy fiber-granular cell pattern, and but in contrast to most experience with mammals, in response to direct brain or nerve stimulations, the simple spikes have different dynamic responses for different modalities. Some are first excited, then inhibited, others vice versa. Some units are not responsive to any sensory input we delivered. Some units not meeting the criteria for Purkinje cells meet several criteria for eurydendroid cells; they give large spikes and are influenced by sensory stimuli after relative long latencies. Complex spikes, however, were only consistently observed in some of the visual units.
Critical Speeds of Rotating Shaft Subjected to Axial Loading and Tangential Torsion

In this study the classical theory of the bending and twisting of thin rods is utilized and applied to the case of a rotating shaft subjected to axial loading and tangential torsion. The differential equation of small bending oscillations in its complex form is solved by using a three-term Galerkin approximation satisfying the boundary conditions term by term. Convergence of the solution is indicated by comparing the two-term and three-term approximations. The special cases of a stationary shaft subjected to axial load or twist are discussed briefly. Experimental results closely agree with the theoretically predicted values.
Effects of Sharp Edges on the Visibility of Sinusoidal Gratings

When measured with small, sharp-edged targets, sinusoidal-grating thresholds are biased by two types of artifacts related to Weber’s and Ricco’s laws. These artifacts depend on both the nominal frequency of the grating and the phase at its edge: the effect of truncating a low-frequency grating at a given phase is just opposite from the effect of truncating a high-frequency grating at the same phase. These edge effects are predicted by spatial-frequency analyses of the targets, and confirmed by appropriate modulation-threshold measurements, with both rectilinear and circular gratings.
Region-Dependent Capacity for Limb Chondrogenesis: Patterns of Chondrogenesis in Cultures from Different Regions of the Developing Chick Wing*

The in vitro chondrogenic patterns expressed by mesoderm cells obtained from the proximal, middle, and distal thirds of stage 25 chick embryo wing buds were studied. Region-dependent differences were observed in the patterns of Toluidine Blue-staining extracellular matrix produced. These differences were subsequently shown to be highly reproducible. Chondrogenesis in cultures containing cells from the proximal third of the limb is restricted primarily to the center of the dish and takes the form of small nodules by day 4. These nodules coalesce into a large colony by day 6. In cultures containing similar numbers of cells from the distal third of the limb, aggregates of cells surrounded by metachromatic extracellular matrix materials are detectable somewhat earlier than in those containing cells from the proximal region. A centrally located concentration of matrix material is found in these distal cell cultures, however, a large number of nodules are also scattered throughout the monolayer. The difference between the chondrogenic patterns seen in the proximal and distal cell cultures becomes more pronounced by day 6 of culture. This is due primarily to the absence of demonstrable cartilaginous matrix in the peripheral areas of the proximal cell cultures. Cultures composed of cells derived from the middle third of stage 25 wings exhibit patterns of Chondrogenesis intermediate in appearance between those containing cells from the other two regions. It is unlikely that these readily repeatable differences in chondrogenic patterns can be explained solely by convection currents in the media caused by the seeding and handling of the cultures prior to attachment of the cells. The different chondrogenic patterns might therefore be suggestive of region-dependent differences in the cell surface characteristics of limb mesoderm cells.
Human Amniotic Fluid as a Potential New Source of Organ Specific Precursor Cells for Future Regenerative Medicine Applications

Purpose: Human amniotic fluid contains multiple cell types, including pluripotent and committed progenitor cells, and fully differentiated cells. We characterized various cell populations in amniotic fluid.Materials and Methods: Optimum culture techniques for multiple cell line passages with minimal morphological change were established. Cell line analysis and characterization were done with reverse transcriptase and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunoseparation was done to distinguish native progenitor cell lines and their various subpopulations.Results: Endodermal and mesodermal marker expression was greatest in samples of early gestational age while ectodermal markers showed a constant rate across all samples. Pluripotent and mesenchymal cells were always present but hematopoietic cell markers were expressed only in older samples. Specific markers for lung, kidney, liver and heart progenitor cells were increasingly expressed after 18 weeks of gestation. We specifically focused on a CD24+OB-cadh...
School health interventions for adolescents at nutritional risk: A survey of health teachers, nurses, and coaches

Abstract To determine the status of school-based health and nutrition interventions for adolescents who are pregnant, overweight, or athletes and to solicit opinions relative to interventions, we mailed questionnaires to coaches, nurses, and health teachers in a randomly selected sample of secondary schools in Pennsylvania. We received over 1100 responses from 179 schools. Less than 25% of the schools had interventions for overweight or pregnant teens and less than 45% had interventions for athletes. Descriptions of interventions showed that coaches, nurses, and health teachers were likely to be involved with particular adolescent groups. Of existing interventions, 30% to 60% were not externally funded. Over 85% of the respondents felt that schools should have interventions, and over 40% of the respondents were interested in being involved. Perceived obstacles included lack of time, funding, administrative support, and qualified personnel. These results indicate that school personnel are interested and see the need for health interventions for specific adolescent groups, but provision of such programs by schools has been limited. Cooperation among administrators, health personnel, parents, and the community is needed. For nutrition educators, there are opportunities to become involved with high-risk adolescents in school nutrition and health interventions either by direct contact with the adolescents or through training and support of school personnel.
Influences on Eastern Orthodox Christian Fasting Beliefs and Practices

Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to determine beliefs and practices of Eastern Orthodox Christians in a community in the United States with regard to Church prescribed fasting. Considerable variation was discerned regarding beliefs of what foods should be avoided and when. Actual fasting practices were even more heterogeneous. A model was developed of positive and negative influences upon fasting according to Eastern Orthodox Christian doctrine. Negative influences included health beliefs, living in a non-Orthodox society, and the moral aspect of the Church teachings on fasting.
Polar bear responses to the underwater vocalizations of ringed seals

Two captive polar bears were exposed to six different marine mammal vocalizations, in an attempt to determine if polar bears would selectively respond to the underwater vocalization of their primary prey, ringed seals. Vocalizations were played to each bear for a total of eight minutes while their behavioral responses were observed. An analysis of activity indicated that the bears displayed a significantly stronger response to ringed seals' vocalizations. It is theorized that the ability to recognize the underwater vocalizations of their primary prey would increase a bear's probability of a successful capture when a ringed seal rises to breath at an ice bound breathing hole.
When to Start and Stop Hepatitis B Treatment: Can One Set of Criteria Apply to All Patients Regardless of Age at Infection?

In this issue, Lai and Yuen raise concern that existing guidelines for treatment of HBV infection are inappropriate for patients with perinatal HBV infection. They propose that patients with normal...
CDMA uplink capacity in both open and closed access two-tier femtocell networks

Femtocells are assuming an increasingly important role in cellular coverage. Femtocells can be configured to be either open access or closed access. Seemingly, the network operator would prefer an open access deployment since this provides an inexpensive way to expand their network capabilities, whereas the femtocell owner would prefer closed access, in order to monopolize their femtocell capacity and backhaul. We develop a novel analytical framework for studying this problem, and our results show that the interests of the femtocell owner and the network operator are more compatible than typically believed in non-orthogonal multiple access (CDMA). Open access can typically provides gains of more than a factor of three for the home user by reducing the near-far problem experienced by the femtocell, resulting in a “win-win” scenario for overlaid open access femtocell deployments in modern CDMA networks.
Analysis of inorganic polyphosphates by capillary gel electrophoresis.

This paper describes the development of a method that uses capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) to analyze mixtures of inorganic polyphosphate ((Pi)n). Resolution of (Pi)n on the basis of n, the number of residues of dehydrated phosphate, is accomplished by CGE using capillaries filled with solutions of poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) and indirect detection by the UV absorbance of a chromophore, terephthalate, added to the running buffer. The method is capable of resolving peaks representing (Pi)n with n up to ∼70; preparation and use of authentic standards enables the identification of peaks for (Pi)n with n = 1−10. The main advantages of this method over previously reported methods for analyzing mixtures of (Pi)n (e.g., gel electrophoresis, CGE using polyacrylamide-filled capillaries) are its resolution, convenience, and reproducibility; gel-filled capillaries are easily regenerated by pumping in fresh, low-viscosity solutions of PDMA. The resolution is comparable to that of ion-exchange chromatograp...
REM sleep deprivation attenuates actin-binding protein cortactin : A link between sleep and hippocampal plasticity

Rapid eye-movement sleep (REMS) is thought to affect synaptic plasticity. Cortactin is a cytoskeletal protein critically involved in the regulation of actin branching and stabilization including the actin backbone of dendritic spines. Hippocampal cortactin levels, phosphorylation, and processing appear to be altered during learning and long-term potentiation (LTP); consistent with a role for cortactin in the dendritic restructuring that accompanies synaptic plasticity. In this study juvenile male Sprague-Dawley rats were selectively REMS-deprived (RD) for 48 h by the flowerpot method. Cage control (CC) and large pedestal control (PC) animals were used for comparison. Animals were euthanized immediately, or 12 h, after removal from the pedestal. The hippocampus was dissected, flash-frozen, and stored for subsequent Western blot or quantitative RT-PCR analysis of cortactin. Cortactin mRNA/cDNA levels initially rose in PC and RD rats but returned to CC levels by 12 h after removal from the pedestal. Predictably cortactin protein levels were initially unchanged but were up-regulated after 12 h. The PC group had more total and tyrosine-phosphorylated cortactin protein expression than the RD and CC groups. This increase in cortactin was likely due to the exposure of the rats to the novel environment of the deprivation chambers thus triggering plasticity events. The lack of REMS, however, severely hampered cortactin protein up-regulation and phosphorylation observed in the PC group suggesting an attenuation of plasticity-related events. Thus, these data support a functional link between REMS and cytoskeletal reorganization in the hippocampus, a process that is essential for synaptic plasticity.
Boundary Issues in Social Work: Managing Dual Relationships

Social work literature clearly demonstrates that ethical issues related to boundaries are among the most problematic and challenging. Boundary issues involve circumstances in which social workers encounter actual or potential conflicts between their professional duties and their social, sexual, religious, or business relationships. This article provides an overview of boundary issues in social work (circumstances involving dual and multiple relationships); presents a conceptually based typology of boundary issues in the profession; and provides guidelines to help social workers manage the boundary issues and risks that arise in practice.
Invasion percolation and global optimization.

Invasion bond percolation (IBP) is mapped exactly into Prim{close_quote}s algorithm for finding the shortest spanning tree of a weighted random graph. Exploring this mapping, which is valid for arbitrary dimensions and lattices, we introduce a new IBP model that belongs to the same universality class as IBP and generates the minimal energy tree spanning the IBP cluster. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Science and students with mental retardation: An analysis of curriculum features and learner characteristics

Although much research has been conducted on the learning characteristics of individuals with mental retardation, science learning of such individuals has received far less attention. In this investigation, students with mental retardation were observed over a 2-year period, in order to determine how the characteristics of mental retardation manifested themselves in the context of inquiry-oriented, hands-on science curriculum. Analysis of all relevant data sources, including observations and field notes, videotape and audiotape recordings, student products, and interviews, suggested that several characteristics commonly attributed to students with mild mental retardation were observed to interact with the science curriculum. These characteristics included attention, semantic memory, logical reasoning, and outerdirectedness. However, teachers were skilled at adapting instruction to meet the special needs of these learners. Implications for teaching science to students with mental retardation are provided. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Varying Termiticide Application Rate and Volume Affect Initial Soil Penetration

The initial soil penetration of Premise 75 and Termidor SC, containing imidacloprid and fipronil, respectively, were tested in laboratory columns of five different soils. Three combinations of application concentration and volume were used: double the recommended active ingredient concentration at one half the recommended volume (DR), the full concentration and volume (FR), and one half the concentration and twice the volume (HR). In all three cases, the same total amount of active ingredient (0.01 g of imidacloprid for Premise and 0.012 g of fipronil for Termidor) was applied to the same soil surface area (45.36 cm2). Regardless of soil or application method, the concentration of active ingredient was highest in the top 1 cm of soil. Within each soil, the concentration in the top 1 cm was highest in the DR treatment and lowest in the HR treatment. At each depth below 1 cm, active ingredient concentration was highest in the HR treatment and lowest in the DR treatment. The DR treatment therefore results in a thinner barrier of higher initial concentration in the top 1 cm, whereas the HR treatment results in a thicker barrier but of lower initial concentration in the top 1 cm.
Variations in oxidative susceptibility among six low density lipoprotein subfractions of differing density and particle size.

Oxidative modification of low density lipoproteins (LDL) has been implicated in the sequence of events leading to fatty streak formation in the arterial intima. Increased oxidative modifications of dense versus bouyant LDL particles could contribute to increased atherosclerosis associated with lipoprotein profiles enriched in small, dense LDL. In the present studies, we compared rates of copper-induced oxidative changes for six LDL subfractions ranging in density from 1.023 to 1.053 g/ml and mean particle diameter from 282 ± 10 to 245 ± 3. Rates of formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), as indicated by the time required for half-maximal TBARS formation (T12max), decreased with increasing density and decreasing particle diameter to a minimum in fraction 5 (d = 1.046 g/ml, diameter = 250 ± 5) (P = 0.007). In parallel studies using unfractionated LDL (d = 1.019–1.063 g/ml), T12max values were inversely correlated with the predominant LDL species diameter as determined by 2–16% gradient gel electrophoresis (P < 0.05), consistent with the involvement of subclass composition of subclass composition in determining oxidative behavior. In separate experiments, subfraction differences in oxidation rates as assessed by TBARS formation were verified by the finding of similarly disparate changes in fluorescence intensity and anionic electrophoretic mobility. T12max values were not related to LDL contents of alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, protein, triglycerides or phospholipids, but were significantly correlated with unesterified cholesterol content (r = 0.46; P < 0.001) and were inversely associated with cholesterol ester content (r = 0.28; P < 0.05). The positive association of T12max with unesterified cholesterol suggests that this constituent may impart resistance to oxidative modification, possibly by altering properties of the surface monolayer where it resides.
Anesthesia-controlled time and turnover time for ambulatory upper extremity surgery performed with regional versus general anesthesia

Study Objective To test the hypothesis that regional anesthesia (RA) employing a block room reduces anesthesia-controlled time for ambulatory upper extremity surgery compared with general anesthesia (GA).
Swimming Crabs (Crustacea: Brachyura: Portunoidea) of Easter Island1

The portunoid fauna of Easter Island is reviewed, based on historical records and material collected by the Science Museum of Long Island Easter Island Expedition of 1998–1999. Previously, only two portunoid taxa identified to the species level were recorded from the island. This work reports on six species of portunoids: Ovalipes elongatus Stephenson & Rees, 1968 (new record), Laleonectes nipponensis (Sakai, 1938) (new record), Portunus pubescens (Dana, 1852), Thalamita auauensis Rathbun, 1906 (new record), T. bevisi (Stebbing, 1921) (new record), and T. seurati Nobili, 1906 (new record). Specimens tentatively referred to Thalamita minuscula Nobili, 1906, are also discussed, but this taxon may represent the juvenile form of T. seurati. The new records from the island all represent large range extensions for each species. Color notes are provided for four species. The first pleopod of the male of O. elongatus is illustrated for the first time, and the species' potential as an invasive taxon is discussed.
A Unified Approach to Identifying, Estimating and Testing Demand Structures with Aggregate Scanner Data

A one-to-one map between a specific demand structure and a restricted cross-elasticity matrix is developed and tested using a random utility model. The resulting demand structure can be used to evaluate a firm's ability to differentiate its products, and can help determine if demand is characterized by factors that are easy to change. Similar brands are assumed to share common attributes that are stochastically evaluated by the consumer, resulting in a random utility model with correlated errors. The map results in more precise cross-elasticity estimates and can be used to both identify and test possible structures.
Using sociometers to quantify social interaction patterns

Research on human social interactions has traditionally relied on self-reports. Despite their widespread use, self-reported accounts of behaviour are prone to biases and necessarily reduce the range of behaviours and the number of subjects, that may be studied simultaneously. The development of ever smaller sensors makes it possible to study group-level human behaviour in naturalistic settings outside research laboratories. We used such sensors, sociometers, to examine gender, talkativeness and interaction style in two different contexts. Here, we find that in the collaborative context, women were much more likely to be physically proximate to other women and were also significantly more talkative than men, especially in small groups. In contrast, there were no gender-based differences in the non-collaborative setting. Our results highlight the importance of objective measurement in the study of human behaviour, here enabling us to discern context specific, gender-based differences in interaction style.
Test application time reduction for scan based sequential circuits

This paper addresses the issue of reducing test application time in sequential circuits with partial scan using a single clock configuration without freezing the state of the non-scan flip-flops. Experimental results show that this technique significantly reduces test application time. Further, we study the effect of ordering the scan flip-flops on the test vector length and also present a non-atomic two-clock scan method which can be easily incorporated in conventional test generation environment.
Thermal facial screening for deception detection

Our group has been conducting advanced research in deception detection (DD) for the last three years. The conclusion from our effort is that facial thermal screening is a very promising method for DD. It can be used as an additional information channel to enhance traditional polygraph examination for investigative purposes. Because of the unique advantages of the method (non-invasive, real-time, and highly automated), it can also be used for mass screening in airport, border, and other critical checkpoints. Checkpoint agents are already asking travelers certain questions. A familiar example is the question: "Did you pack your own bags?" The difference under our proposal is that these questions will become much more meaningful and both an agent and a machine will evaluate the travelers' responses. The machine's recommendation will serve as an additional data point to the traveler's on-line record. Its weight will be commensurate with how well the machine proves itself in actual practice.
Using hospitalization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions to measure access to primary health care: an application of spatial structural equation modeling

Background: In data commonly used for health services research, a number of relevant variables are unobservable. These include population lifestyle and socio-economic status, physician practice behaviors, population tendency to use health care resources, and disease prevalence. These variables may be considered latent constructs of many observed variables. Using health care data from South Carolina, we show an application of spatial structural equation modeling to identify how these latent constructs are associated with access to primary health care, as measured by hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. We applied the confirmatory factor analysis approach, using the Bayesian paradigm, to identify the spatial distribution of these latent factors. We then applied cluster detection tools to identify counties that have a higher probability of hospitalization for each of the twelve adult ambulatory care sensitive conditions, using a multivariate approach that incorporated the correlation structure among the ambulatory care sensitive conditions into the model. Results: For the South Carolina population ages 18 and over, we found that counties with high rates of emergency department visits also had less access to primary health care. We also observed that in those counties there are no community health centers. Conclusion: Locating such clusters will be useful to health services researchers and health policy makers; doing so enables targeted policy interventions to efficiently improve access to primary care.
The Effect of Eating Frequency on Appetite Control and Food Intake: Brief Synopsis of Controlled Feeding Studies

Increased eating frequency is postulated to increase metabolism, reduce hunger, improve glucose and insulin control, and reduce body weight, making it an enticing dietary strategy for weight loss and/or the maintenance of a healthy body weight. Because past research has primarily focused on the effects of eating frequency on changes in energy expenditure and body weight, limited data exist surrounding the impact of eating frequency on appetite control and energy intake. We provide a brief review of the controlled-feeding studies that primarily targeted the appetitive, hormonal, and food intake responses potentially altered with eating frequency. The 3 meal/d pattern served as the reference for defining increased or reduced eating frequency. In general, increased eating frequency led to lower peaks (P 3 eating occasions/d) has minimal, if any, impact on appetite control and food intake, whereas reduced eating frequency(<3 eating occasions/d) negatively effects appetite control.
Reduction in mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization treatment: assessment of predictors by two-dimensional radial strain echocardiography.

BACKGROUND We utilized the novel approach of 2D radial strain (2-DRS) to evaluate whether left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony in mid-LV segments corresponding to papillary muscles insertion sites can predict early mitral regurgitation (MR) reduction post-cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS We evaluated 32 patients undergoing CRT (mean age 64 +/- 17 years, 54% males) with MR grade > or =3 determined by the MR jet area/left atrial area ratio (JA/LAA). RESULTS Fifteen (47%) patients responded to CRT (JA/LAA) 110 ms and MRJA/LAA 18% in the posterior wall were significant predictors of post-CRT improvement in MR. CONCLUSION The presence of a significant time-to-peak delay on 2-DRS between inferior and anterior LV segments, preserved strain of posterior wall, and MRJA/LAA <40% were found to be associated with significant MR reduction in patients post-CRT.
Periodic motions, mapping ordered sequences, and training of dynamic neural networks to generate continuous and discontinuous trajectories

Designing efficient methods for training dynamic neural networks for learning spatio-temporal patterns is of great interest at present. In particular, the "trajectory generation problem" that involves training the network to learn and replicate autonomously a specified time-varying periodic motion has attracted considerable attention. A systematic approach to solve this problem by decomposing the overall task into two sub-tasks, a spatio-temporal sequence assignment and a mapping of ordered sequences, is presented. This decomposition permits the dynamic neural network to be realized as a cascade of a simple recurrent net followed by a non-recurrent one that yields considerable reduction in training complexity. A detailed performance evaluation of the present scheme is given by considering several trajectory generation experiments that highlight the strong points of this approach, which include simplicity and accuracy in training, flexibility to include control parameters in order to modify online the shape of the trajectory learned and the speed of repetition along a cyclic trajectory, and the possibility of learning both continuous and discontinuous trajectory patterns.
Modeling and Validation of a 3D Velocity Structure for the Santa Clara Valley, California, for Seismic-Wave Simulations

A 3D seismic velocity and attenuation model is developed for Santa Clara Valley, California, and its surrounding uplands to predict ground motions from scenario earthquakes. The model is developed using a variety of geologic and geophysical data. Our starting point is a 3D geologic model developed primarily from geologic mapping and gravity and magnetic surveys. An initial velocity model is constructed by using seismic velocities from boreholes, reflection/refraction lines, and spatial autocorrelation microtremor surveys. This model is further refined and the seismic attenuation is estimated through waveform modeling of weak motions from small local events and strong-ground motion from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Waveforms are calculated to an upper frequency of 1 Hz using a parallelized finite-difference code that utilizes two regions with a factor of 3 difference in grid spacing to reduce memory requirements. Cenozoic basins trap and strongly amplify ground motions. This effect is particularly strong in the Evergreen Basin on the northeastern side of the Santa Clara Valley, where the steeply dipping Silver Creek fault forms the southwestern boundary of the basin. In comparison, the Cupertino Basin on the southwestern side of the valley has a more moderate response, which is attributed to a greater age and velocity of the Cenozoic fill. Surface waves play a major role in the ground motion of sedimentary basins, and they are seen to strongly develop along the western margins of the Santa Clara Valley for our simulation of the Loma Prieta earthquake.
THE SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RELIGIOUS RESOURCES IN THE PREDICTION OF MATTERING TO OTHERS: AFRICAN AMERICAN AND WHITE CONTRASTS

The perception of mattering, defined as one's perceived significance to others, is likely influenced by the interpersonal and intrapersonal dimensions of religious faith. Using data from a community study conducted in Miami-Dade County, this study examines whether private and public aspects of religiosity are independently as well as mutually associated with perceptions of mattering, net of secular social resources. We also consider whether the availability of religious and secular resources varies by race/ethnicity, and whether such differences account for race/ethnic differences in perceptions of mattering. Findings demonstrate that private religiosity and membership in a religious organization, in addition to secular social support and integration, are independently associated with perceptions of mattering. Findings also reveal that, compared to Whites, the higher levels of mattering reported by African Americans are largely explained by their higher levels of private religiosity and greater likelihood...
PAPR Reduction for Repetition Space-Time-Frequency Coded MIMO-OFDM Systems Using Chu Sequences

Space-time/frequency coding (SFC) can achieve the spatial and multipath diversities for a MIMO-OFDM system by coding across subcarriers, multiple antennas, and/or multiple OFDM sysmbols, where an interesting method to achieve the multipath diversity is repeating across subcarriers proposed by Su et al. While most of the existing space-time/frequency codes do not have the fast ML decoding, a family of space-time-frequency codes with single-symbol ML decoding have been proposed lately by Zhang et al to achieve both full spatial and multipath diversities by using orthogonal space-time block codes (OSTBC) across multiple antennas and OFDM symbols and in the meantime repeating across the subcarriers. In this paper, we first generalize the above OSTBC to linearly transformed quasi OSTBC (QOSTBC) in a straightforward way. The main goal of this paper is to modify the repeating process and adjust their phases so that the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the OFDM system is reduced. In particular, we propose to use Chu sequences and show that the discrete PAPR can be reduced by Gamma times where Gamma is the times of the repeating across subcarriers for any SFC from the repeating.
Spatial arrangement, density, and competition between barnyardgrass and tomato: I. Crop growth and yield

Abstract Field studies were conducted to determine how the spatial arrangement of weed populations influences interspecific competition. We studied the influence of regular, random, and clumped distributions of barnyardgrass on growth and yield of direct-seeded tomato planted at different densities. Increasing aggregation increased intraspecific competition in barnyardgrass. At the same time, interspecific competition experienced by tomato from barnyardgrass decreased. Differences in the amount of shading of the tomato canopy by barnyardgrass contributed to yield loss differences for the various spatial arrangements. Clumped barnyardgrass caused significantly less average shading than barnyardgrass in regular or random arrangements. At a typical planting density of 10 tomato plants m−1 of row, yield losses ranged from 10 to 35% (1993) or 8 to 50% (1994) when competing with a clumped arrangement of barnyardgrass. At the same tomato density, yields were reduced from 20 to 50% (1993) or 11 to 75% (1994) for ...
Calcium oscillations in freshly dispersed and cultured interstitial cells from canine colon

Spontaneous oscillations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and membrane potential were used to monitor rhythmicity in freshly dispersed and cultured interstitial cells (IC) from the can...
A method for restricting intracatheter dwell time variance in high-dose-rate brachytherapy plan optimization.

Abstract Purpose To present the algorithm of a modification to the inverse planning simulated annealing (IPSA) optimization engine that allows for restriction of the intracatheter dwell time variance. Methods and Materials IPSA was modified to allow user control of dwell time variance within each catheter through a single parameter, the dwell time deviation constraint (DTDC). The minimum DTDC value (DTDC = 0) does not impose any restriction on dwell time variance, and the maximum value (DTDC = 1) restricts all dwell times within each catheter to take on the same value. The final optimization penalty function value was evaluated as a function of DTDC. Results The algorithm proposed fully preserves the inverse planning nature of the IPSA algorithm along with the penalty-based dose optimization workflow. Increasing DTDC creates less variance in dwell time between dwell positions in each catheter and may be used to induce a more smooth change in dwell time with dwell position in each catheter. Nonzero DTDC values always increased the optimization penalty function value. Conclusions The DTDC was developed as an extension to IPSA to allow restriction of the difference in dwell time between adjacent dwell positions. This results in less variation between neighboring dwell positions which can be clinically desirable. However, the impact of this restriction needs to be considered for its clinical relevance on a case-by-case basis because considerable degradation in dose-volume histogram metrics can result for large DTDC values.
Emerging adults’ sleep patterns and attentional capture: the pivotal role of consistency

College students face consistent cognitive demands and often get insufficient and/or irregular sleep. The current study investigated associations of sleep duration and sleep variability with attentional performance. Sleep duration variability was expected to moderate the association between duration and cognitive functioning. College students' (n = 83) natural sleep patterns were recorded via wristband actigraphy across three consecutive nights during an academic term. The association between sleep duration and attentional capture was strongest for those whose sleep was the most consistent across the three nights preceding the attentional task (i.e., low sleep duration variability). For those with low sleep duration variability, less sleep was associated (B = -0.25) with reduced ability to ignore irrelevant cues and redirect attention to target locations. In other words, consistently low sleep duration was associated with compromises in attention. Our results indicate the importance of consistent sleep routines as well as sufficient sleep duration in order to optimize attentional performance in college students.
Modernity, Region, and Technoscience: One Small Cheer for Asia as Method:

This article is a historiographical and methodological intervention in the discussion of modernity, coloniality, and global history. It does two things. First, it highlights an important but neglected topic in the existing literature on modernity and globalization, viz. the significant role of science in traditional narratives of modernity. These traditional narratives have been challenged by new approaches in both history of science and history of modernity. The article goes further and provides a critique of these new approaches. It argues that they should take more into account the concepts of scale and region. Second, the article suggests a methodologically oriented and operational definition of region in the context of history of science and modernity. To illustrate this point, it discusses the potential and risks of adopting ‘Asia as method’ as an approach to global history of science and modernity.
Enhancing Two-Beam-Excited Conical Emission With EIT

We have observed enhanced two-beam-excited conical emission in hot atomic rubidium vapor with a ladder-type EIT scheme. Our maximum gain is 30 without EIT and 50 with it.
A New Modification of Mallory-Heidenhain’s Differential Staining Method and Adaptation of Formalin-Fixed Material for Mallory’s Stains

Pathologists are constantly endeavoring to increase their armamentarium to demonstrate better the morbid changes which occur in the tissues of the body. To the histologist, Mallory's stains are invaluable but their uses have been necessarily limited, because tissue to be stained by these methods must be fixed in Zenker's solution. Formalin has become almost the universal fixative because tissue may be preserved in it indefinitely and most stains used as a routine can still be employed. Ever since Mallory described these special methods for Zenker-fixed tissue, histologists have been modifying the fixative and the stains with varying, and usually with unsatisfactory, results. Even washing the tissue and refixing in Zenker's solution is unsatisfactory. Davidoff has suggested placing the formalin-fixed tissue in ammonia water and refixing in Zenker's solution, a procedure which removes some of the difficulties. However, the following adaptation has proved the most satisfactory and uniform method which I have encountered. The formalin-fixed tissues are washed in running water or ammonia water for a short time. The latter procedure serves to prevent the accumulation of "formalin precipitate" on the stained preparation. The tissue is then placed for four days in Weigert's primary mordant for myelin sheathsj
The Management of Mature Teratoria of the Testicle

AbstractA case of mature teratoma of the testis, representing the longest documented interval between diagnosis and metastases, is reported. A review of the clinical features, pathology, treatment and survival indicates that mature teratoma is a malignant neoplasm. The needfor aggressive treatment and long-term followup in patients with this tumor is stressed.