cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic error rate analysis of multi-hop multi-relay cooperative non-regenerative networks over generalized fading channels

In this article, we present three moment generating function (MGF) based methods for performance evaluation of multi-hop, multi-relay cooperative amplify-and-forward (CAF) networks over a myriad of stochastic fading channel models. Method I is based on a recursive expansion of the MGF of effective SNR for a 2-hop CAF relay network developed in [10]. The second method is also similar to Method I except that it now requires the exact MGF of the end-to-end SNR for a 2-hop relay network. Method III involves the split of a multi-hop route path into two sections, evaluating the MGF of the “weakest link” in each section, and then finding the MGF of end-to-end SNR using the result in [10] for a 2-hop CAF network. We show that all the above mentioned methods closely approximate the ‘exact’ MGF of end-to-end SNR and the average symbol error rate (ASER) of CAF relay networks. Unlike the existing bounds (which are restrictive to specific fading channels), our proposed solutions is quite general and can be applied to a wide range of fading environments while dramatically reducing the computational complexity of ASER for multi-hop multi-branch CAF relay networks. Moreover, our final solutions for the ASER are expressed in closed-form for first two methods, and in terms of a single integral for Method III. The accuracies of our approximations have been validated with “exact” formulas that are available for specific wireless fading environments and via Monte Carlo computer simulations.
Metropolitan area income inequality and self-rated health--a multi-level study.

We examined the association of income inequality measured at the metropolitan area (MA) and county levels with individual self-rated health. Individual-level data were drawn from 259,762 respondents to the March Current Population Survey in 1996 and 1998. Income inequality and average income were calculated from 1990 census data, the former using Gini coefficients. Multi-level logistic regression models were used. Controlling for sex, age, race, and individual-level household income, respondents living in high, medium-high, and medium-low income inequality MAs had odds ratios of fair/poor self-rated health of 1.20 (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.38), 1.07 (0.95-1.21), and 1.02 (0.91-1.15), respectively, compared to people living in the MAs with the lowest income inequality. However, we found only a small association of MA-level income inequality with fair/poor health when controlling further for average MA household income: odds ratios were 1.10 (0.95-1.28), 1.01 (0.89-1.14), and 1.00 (0.89-1.12), respectively. Likewise, we found only a small association of county-level income inequality with self-rated health although only 40.7% of the sample had an identified county on CPS data. Regarding the association of state-level income inequality with fair/poor health, we found the association to be considerably stronger among non-metropolitan (i.e. rural) compared to metropolitan residents.
Effect of sensor placement on operational modal analysis of steel girder bridges

With the advent and development of low-cost wireless structural health monitoring systems, the task of routinely assessing the in-service condition of highway bridges through distributed sensor-based measurements is an increasingly feasible component of bridge safety and management practice. Bridge monitoring encompasses placement of often a limited number of distributed sensors across a relatively large and complex structural system. Consequently, the selection of proper sensor locations is imperative to extraction of the most value from the recorded measurements. An experimental investigation is presented wherein sensor placement on the superstructure girders or primary beams is contrasted to the response measured on the surface of the bridge deck. The effect on the dataset richness, as evidenced by the modal content, is presented and conclusions regarding optimal placement for this structure type are presented. To affirm the plausibility of the observed responses and conclusions drawn, a finite element analysis is also performed on a model developed from the as-built drawings.
Sonic hedgehog mediates the proliferation and recruitment of transformed mesenchymal stem cells to the stomach.

Studies using Helicobacter-infected mice show that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can repopulate the gastric epithelium and promote gastric cancer progression. Within the tumor microenvironment of the stomach, pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNγ) and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) are elevated. IFNγ is implicated in tumor proliferation via activation of the Shh signaling pathway in various tissues but whether a similar mechanism exists in the stomach is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that IFNγ drives MSC proliferation and recruitment, a response mediated by Shh signaling. The current study uses transplantation of an in vitro transformed mesenchymal stem cell line (stMSCvect), that over-expresses hedgehog signaling, in comparison to non-transformed wild-type MSCs (wtMSCs), wtMSCs transfected to over-express Shh (wtMSCShh), and stMSCs transduced with lentiviral constructs containing shRNA targeting the Shh gene (stMSCShhKO). The effect of IFNγ on MSC proliferation was assessed by cell cycle analysis in vitro using cells treated with recombinant IFNγ (rmIFNγ) alone, or in combination with anti-Shh 5E1 antibody, and in vivo using mice transplanted with MSCs treated with PBS or rmIFNγ. In vitro, IFNγ significantly increased MSC proliferation, a response mediated by Shh that was blocked by 5E1 antibody. The MSC population collected from bone marrow of PBS- or IFNγ-treated mice showed that IFNγ significantly increased the percentage of all MSC cell lines in S phase, with the exception of the stMSCsShhKO cells. While the MSC cell lines with intact Shh expression were recruited to the gastric mucosa in response to IFNγ, stMSCsShhKO were not. Hedgehog signaling is required for MSC proliferation and recruitment to the stomach in response to IFNγ.
Microstructure and Dielectric Properties of Textured SrTiO3 Thin Films

We investigate the relationship between microstructure and dielectric properties of textured SrTiO3 thin films deposited by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering on epitaxial Pt electrodes on sapphire substrates. The microstructures of Pt electrodes and SrTiO3 films are studied by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. SrTrO3 films grown on as-deposited and annealed Pt electrodes, respectively, consist of a mixture of (111)- and (110)-oriented grains. Temperature-dependent dielectric measurements show that differences in texture and microstructure are reflected in the Curie-Weiss behavior of the SrTiO3 films. Phenomenological models that account for the effects of thermal mismatch strain on the dielectric behavior are developed for different film textures. The models predict that at a given temperature, paraelectric (111)-oriented films of SrTiO3 on tensile substrates will have a higher Curie-Weiss temperature and a greater dielectric constant than (110)-oriented films or bulk SrTiO3. The experimental dielectric behavior is compared with the predictions from theory, and different contributions, such as interfacial layers, film stress, and microstructure, to the Curie-Weiss behavior are discussed.
The visual suffix effect in tests of the visual short-term store

Adding a visual suffix to the far left of a simultaneous visual presentation impairs recall in a variety of situations testing the visual short-term store.
Magnesium and Manganese Specific Forms of Soluble Liver RNA Polymerase

Widnell and Tata1 and others2,3 found that the RNA synthesizing properties of isolated mammalian cell nuclei vary depending on whether the assay system contains Mg++ (in the absence of ammonium sulphate) or Mn++ and ammonium sulphate. It is not known whether the differential effect is caused by the presence of different species of RNA polymerase or by a salt effect which may alter the action of inhibitory substances associated with nuclear DNA4 or with the polymerase5–7. Recently, we showed that liver nuclei contain a large amount of soluble RNA polymerase which can be released at 0° C without concomitant release of DNA or lysis of nuclear membranes8. During the purification of this enzyme, we observed that the ratio of the RNA polymerase activity measured in the presence of Mn++ (but no ammonium sulphate) to that determined in the presence of Mg++ was not constant among the various enzyme fractions. This and other observations described here strongly suggest that cell nuclei of liver and ventral prostate have at least two forms of RNA polymerase with different specificities toward DNA templates and requirements for divalent cations.
Experimental hydrocephalus: cerebrospinal fluid formation and ventricular size as a function of intraventricular pressure

Abstract Cats with kaolin-induced obstructive hydrocephalus were studied by ventricle-to-ventricle perfusion in order to determine the influence of pressure on CSF formation and ventricular volume. It was demonstrated that in the individual hydrocephalic cat CSF production decreases as perfusion pressure is elevated. The mean decrease in CSF formation was found to be 3.5%/cm H 2 O pressure. It is proposed that this reduction is due to an adverse effect of intraventricular pressure on choroidal plexus, ependyma and adjacent brain tissue. Ventricular volume was shown to increase as rapidly as the pressure, at a rate of 0.0906 to 0.1031 ml/cm H 2 O pressure. This increase is to a large extent at the expense of the brain, and reversible within a short period of time. From pressure-dependent changes in ventricular volume it was possible to calculate the bulk elastic modulus of brain tissue. Its mean value was 3.848·10 5 dynes/cm 2 and most probably represents the elastic properties of the various components of brain tissue.
A Note on the Localization of Daude de Pradas

MY attempt' to identify the Proven?al poet Daude de Pradas as one whose career centered around Rodez (Aveyron) has been variously received: Bertoni,2 Boutiere,3 Brunel4 have raised no question. Jeanroy5 queries whether, despite the number of documents attesting the rise of one Deodatus de Pratis from obscurity to the rank of 'official' or ecclesiastical judge, the same person is always referred to. K. Lewent6 simply refuses to be convinced that Daude was actually canon of Rodez rather than of Maguelonne, as his biography reports. We intend, in this note, to offer an additional piece of evidence, this time internal, to the effect that Daude was not only a native of Rouergue but identified himself with that province. In the Auzels Cassadors, a work on falconry signed by him and generally acknowledged as by our author, there is a passage in which he speaks of a juniper gum to be used in the treatment of a disease of the bird's mouth (boca):
Targeting the missing links for cancer therapy

A continuing quest in clinical oncology is to effectively eliminate tumors without major side effects. But drugs rationally tailored against specific tumors and predictive markers for patient selection are very limited, and their identification is challenging. A phase 1 study has provided proof of concept for the use of PARP inhibitors in tumors from individuals carrying BRCA mutations—a remarkable success in rational drug design and translational research.
Determination of folic acid in an elemental diet by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection

Abstract Determination of folic acid (550 ng/g) in an elemental diet containing 46 compounds at concentrations at least 0.02 · 10 6 times higher than that of folic acid was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection at 360 nm using acetonitrile-water (pH 2.1, adjusted with phosphoric acid) (9:91) with the addition of 1 m M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt as the mobile phase. This method is suitable for the determination of folic acid in an elemental diet, because it is simple, rapid, sensitive and reproducible. The calibration graph was linear in the range 0–0.6 μg. Recovery of folic acid was about 95% by the standard addition method. There was good agreement between the indicated and found folic acid concentrations.
Thermal decomposition pathways for 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7)

In this study, we computationally investigate the initial and subsequent steps in the chemical mechanism for the gas-phase thermal decomposition of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7). We determine the key exothermic step in the gas-phase thermal decomposition of FOX-7 and explore the similarities and differences between FOX-7 and other geminal dinitro energetic materials. The calculations reveal a mechanism for NO loss involving a 3-member cyclic intermediate, rather than a nitro-nitrite isomerization, that occurs in the radical intermediates formed throughout the decomposition mechanism.
Effects of isolation on retrograde amnesia produced by ECS in multiple trial learning.

Abstract Rats were given active avoidance learning trials followed by ECS within five minutes for one-half of the animals while one-half received sham ECS. These subgroups were divided into groups with retention intervals of 4, 24, and 72 h. One-half of the latter groups spent the retention interval in an isolation chamber and the rest remained in the animal colony. Retraining trials were then given in the same manner as original learning. The results demonstrated that ECS treatment caused a retention loss and that sensory isolation augmented ECS-produced retrograde amnesia. There was no recovery of retention following ECS associated with longer retention intervals. It was suggested that these variables influence the retrieval process.
Behavior modification of aggressive behavior on a nursery school bus: A case study

Abstract A case study is presented in which aggressive behavior of two preschool boys on a nursery school bus was modified by the introduction of a negative punishment contingency in which the S s were told they would be detained on the bus until the second time the bus passed their house (delay of reinforcement) if abusive behavior occurred. The practical implications of the study and the relative merits of choosing negative punishment over positive punishment as therapy with children are discussed.
Magnetic media tribology: State of the art and future challenges

Abstract This plenary paper presents the state of the art of our current understanding of the tribology of head-medium interfaces in magnetic storage devices. Theories of conventional friction, stiction, interface temperatures, wear, solid/liquid lubrication, and hydrodynamic air lubrication relevant to magnetic media are presented. The very smooth surfaces and ultra-low flying heights required present challenges and opportunities to tribologists and materials scientists unparalleled in any other industry. The paper ends with a discussion on directions for future research.
Health Management with Reduced Antibiotic Use—The U.S. Experience

Since World War II the use of antimicrobial products associated with food animal production has increased. Antimicrobials along with evolving production practices have significantly increased throughput, animal welfare, and improved health. Concerns surrounding the growing significance of emerging and in some cases rapidly disseminating antibiotic (antimicrobial) resistant bacterial pathogens among human and livestock populations has stimulated a reassessment of this application. The negative publicity has led many consumers and activist groups to believe that protein derived from food animals grown in the absence of those drugs is safer than products derived from the conventionally reared. There is a general fear that antimicrobial usage in agriculture threatens the sustainability of human therapeutic agents and the public wellbeing. The issue has gradually emerged from “fringe group paranoia” to mainstream—finally impacting consumer choices. Antimicrobial resistance concerns have stimulated a significan...
Mechanics and dynamics of actin-driven thin membrane protrusions

Motile cells explore their surrounding milieu by extending thin dynamic protrusions, or filopodia. The growth of filopodia is driven by actin filament bundles that polymerize underneath the cell membrane. We compute the mechanical and dynamical features of the protrusion growth process by explicitly incorporating the flexible plasma membrane. We find that a critical number of filaments are needed to generate net filopodial growth. Without external influences, the filopodium can extend indefinitely up to the buckling length of the F-actin bundle. Dynamical calculations show that the protrusion speed is enhanced by the thermal fluctuations of the membrane; a filament bundle encased in a flexible membrane grows much faster. The protrusion speed depends directly on the number and spatial arrangement of the filaments in the bundle and whether the filaments are tethered to the membrane. Filopodia also attract each other through distortions of the membrane. Spatially close filopodia will merge to form a larger one. Force-velocity relationships mimicking micromanipulation experiments testing our predictions are computed.
Chu's 1303 Identity Implies Bombieri's 1990 Norm-Inequality [via an Identity of Beauzamy and D\'egot]

The Vandermonde-Chu Binomial Coefficients Identity is shown to imply Bombieri's deep norm inequalities, via identities of Beauzamy-D\'egot, and Reznick.
Outcomes following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR): An anatomic and device-specific analysis

Objective We performed a device-specific comparison of long-term outcomes following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) to determine the effect(s) of device type on early and late clinical outcomes. In addition, the impact of performing EVAR both within and outside of specific instructions for use (IFU) for each device was examined. Methods Between January 8, 1999 and December 31, 2005, 565 patients underwent EVAR utilizing one of three commercially available stent graft devices. Study outcomes included perioperative ( Results Grafts implanted included 177 Cook Zenith (CZ, 31%), 111 Gore Excluder (GE, 20%), and 277 Medtronic AneuRx (MA, 49%); 39.3% of grafts were placed outside of at least one IFU parameter. Mean follow-up was 30 +/- 21 months and was shorter for CZ (20 months CZ vs 35 and 31 months for GE and MA, respectively; P .05), but a lower freedom from GRAE (74% outside IFU vs 86% within IFU; P = .021), likely related to a higher incidence of graft thrombosis (2.3% outside IFU vs 0.3% within IFU; P = .026). The differences in outcome for grafts placed within vs outside IFU were not device-specific. Conclusion EVAR performed with three commercially available devices provided similar clinically relevant outcomes at 5 years, although no graft migration occurred with a suprarenal fixation device. As anticipated, application outside of anatomically specific IFU variables had an incremental negative effect on late results, indicating that adherence to such IFU guidelines is appropriate clinical practice.
Anomalous coronary artery from the wrong sinus of Valsalva: a physiologic repair strategy.

Background A coronary artery arising from the wrong aortic sinus, with or without a proximal course between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, may predispose to myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, or sudden death. Methods We repaired this lesion in 5 symptomatic patients, all of whom had experienced exercise-related chest pain, dyspnea, or syncopal episodes. All patients underwent patch angioplasty of the proximal anomalous coronary artery with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium. When the coronary artery coursed between the aorta and the main pulmonary artery, the main pulmonary artery was translocated toward the left pulmonary artery to create additional space and prevent compression. Results All patients recovered well and to date have demonstrated no evidence of recurrent myocardial ischemia. Conclusions The combination of coronary artery angioplasty and translocation of the pulmonary artery seems to effectively address all the mechanisms that can generate ischemia.
Informing the patient about cardiopulmonary resuscitation: when the risks outweigh the benefits.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR), a relat ively n e w technique, was first descr ibed in 1960.1 The American Heart Association standards for CPR were publ ished in 1974 and in revised form in 1980 and 1986.24 Card iopulmonary resuscitat ion is un ique in that it is the only p rocedure that is rout inely done wi thou t pat ient consent, and, in fact, most hospital pol ic ies call for the initiation of CPR unless the pat ient has specifically refused it. Hospitals are now requi red by the Joint Commission on Accreditat ion of Health Care Organizations to have a po l icy that includes provisions designed to assure that pat ients ' rights are respec ted w h e n decisions are made to wi thho ld resuscitative measures, s In order for physicians to obtain truly informed consent or refusal for CPR and to imp lemen t appropr ia te ly "donot-resusci tate" (DNR) policies, they must be knowledgeable about the risks and benefits of CPR for pat ients wi th a variety of under lying illnesses. This rev iew was under taken to answer the fol lowing per t inent questions regarding CPR: How effective is CPR? What are its risks and complicat ions? In which patients wou ld the risks appear to ou tweigh the benefits?
Social Oppression and Attitudes Toward Sexual Practices

This study theoretically frames and supports the view that dominated groups engage in more behavioral self-surveillance and therefore are more restricting of their sexuality. The authors posit that...
A nesting level complexity measure

Two well-publicized program complexity measures are software science and cyclomatic complexity. Three areas where these measures do not always follow our intuitive notions of complexity are: structured vs unstructured programs, nested vs sequential predicates, and the use of case statements. This paper defines a nesting level complexity measure that punishes unstructuredness, and the nesting of predicates, and rewards the use of case statements. Examples are given where the nesting level complexity agrees with intuitive rankings of program structures where software science, cyclomatic complexity, and their suggested refinements do not.
The ideational poverty of two modes of coupling democracy and administration: Democracy and administration; democracy e. administration

An eminent political scientist did not see much of value in public administration theory. He made a dual proposal: one not only can put a low value on taking that theory into account; it is better to neglect it altogether. This essay agrees only in one regard with that political scientist: public administration theory is in shabby shape. But neither little concern about it, nor neglecting it altogether, will do. Hence this essay seeks to provide perspective on how major conceptual issues coupling the will of government with the work of governance were approached in ways more convenient and simplistic than comprehensive and satisfying.
Parallel pathways coordinate crawling in the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis.

Changes in the behavior of crawling leeches were investigated after various kinds of manipulations, including selective transection or inactivation of body parts, as well as partial or complete transection of the central nerve cord, using a frame-by-frame analysis of video tapes of the crawling animals. From these studies, we found that: 1. Leeches made rhythmic crawling cycles even after their suckers were prevented from contacting the substrate by covering them over with glue. Hence, engagement and disengagement of the suckers are not necessary links in the crawling cycle. 2. Cutting the small, medial connective (Faivre's nerve) had no influence on crawling, but contraction during the whole-body shortening reflex was interrupted. Thus two behaviors which use the same motor output (i.e., whole-body shortening and the contraction phase of crawling) are mediated by two different pathways. 3. Cutting all the connectives between two ganglia in the middle of the leech resulted in a loss of coordination between the parts of the animal on either side of the cut. Therefore, temporally coordinated sucker activity must be mediated through these connectives. 4. Pieces of leech bodies produced by complete transection produced rhythmic crawling cycles as long as the pieces included the head or tail plus 2–4 adjacent midbody segments. In all cases, the crawling movements progressed without delays as the movements reached the cut ends. Pieces of animals that included only midbody segments did not produce crawling movements. 5. These results can be explained by a model composed of intersegmental pathways for both elongation and contraction, circuits in the head and tail brains that switch between elongation and contraction, and both ascending and descending inhibitory influences that determine when the cycle switches from elongation to contraction and back again.
Effect of porosity on the combustion synthesis of titanium nitride

The effect of porosity on the self-propagating reaction between porous titanium and gaseous nitrogen was investigated. The relationship between total nitrogen uptake and porosity showed a maximum at about 44% porosity. High initial sample porosities lead to partial melting of the titanium and subsequently to a lower degree of conversion to the nitride. Low initial porosities limit the conversion through lower reaction interfacial areas and lower gas permeation. Wave velocity measurements, thermogravimetric determinations on the progression of the combustion front, and microstructural analyses demonstrated that the passage of the front is associated primarily with the formation of a surface layer of TiN1-x with x being 0.10 and 0.06 for lowdensity (49%) and high-density (59%) samples. The product of combustion contained titanium nitride and primary and β-transformed α solid solutions. The relative abundance of the latter two phases was dependent on the initial relative density of the samples.
Transformation of X-ray Server from a set of WWW-accessed programs into WWW-based library for remote calls from X-ray data analysis software

X-ray Server [x-server.gmca.aps.anl.gov] is a public project providing a collection of online software tools for modeling data in the fields of surface X-ray scattering and grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction from thin solid films and multilayers with account for the effects of crystal lattice strains, magnetization and interface roughness. This paper reports on recent developments that are addressing numerous requests to expand the Server access beyond plain web browser sessions and facilitate batch processing, remote fitting and integration of Server programs into users' data analysis software.
Development of a Seedless Floating Growth Process in Solution for Synthesis of Crystalline ZnO Micro/Nanowire Arrays on Graphene: Towards High‐Performance Nanohybrid Ultraviolet Photodetectors

A seedless solution process is developed for controllable growth of crystalline ZnO micro/nanowire arrays directly on single-layer graphene sheets made in chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In particular, the alignment of the ZnO micro/nanowires correlates well with the density of the wires, which is determined by both the sample configuration in solution and the graphene surface cleaning. With increasing wire density, the ZnO micro/nanowire array alignment may be varied from horizontal to vertical by increasing the physical confinement. Ultraviolet photodetectors based on the vertically aligned ZnO micro/nanowires on graphene show high responsivity of 1.62 A W−1 per volt, a 500% improvement over epitxial ZnO sensors, a 300% improvement over ZnO nanoparticle sensors, and a 40% improvement over the previous best results for nanowire/graphene hybrid sensors. This seedless, floating growth process could be scaled up for large scale growth of oriented ZnO micro/nanowires on graphene at low costs.
Photoisomerization of hindered poly-cis isomers of retinal. Regioselectivity and one-photon-multiple-bond isomerization.

Abstract Direct irradiation of five dicis (7,9, 7,11, 7,13, 9,11 and 9,13) and one tricis (7,9,11) isomers of retinal led to regioselective isomerization at the 13,14 bond as well as multiple-bond isomerization.
THE CRITICS' CANDIDATE1

Author's summary.— An American evaluation of the novels of Alphonse Daudet as contrasted with the estimate given by European critics.
Evaluation of new approaches for management of Japanese beetles in highbush blueberries

SUMMARY The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, can be a pest of highbush blueberries because of direct feeding on berries and leaves, and the risk of contaminating harvested fruit. To determine where beetles are most abundant and whether cultural controls have potential for use against P. japonica in blueberry, soil was sampled for grubs during 2001 and 2002 in and around fifteen blueberry fields. Densities of overwintering P. japonica were greater under permanent sod outside fields than in the soil between the rows. When grub density inside the fields was compared between clean-cultivated rows and those with sodded row middles, cultivated rows had significantly lower grub densities than those with sod. Bioassays with pyrethrum insecticides against adult beetles indicated their potential for removal of beetles from bushes just prior to harvest. An integrated strategy including elimination of suitable habitat by cultivation and use of chemical controls to remove beetles before harvest is under development...
Case-based multimedia program enhances the maturation of surgical residents regarding the concepts of professionalism.

Introduction The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has mandated that surgical residencies incorporate formal curricula in each of the 6 competencies, including professionalism. A questionnaire study was developed by the authors that aimed (1) to measure the ability of surgical residents to define components of professionalism, (2) to evaluate the efficacy of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) case-based scenarios in teaching concepts of professionalism, and (3) to determine whether postgraduate level correlates with the ability to articulate the meaning of professionalism. Methods Surgical residents (n = 47) were matched for PG level and were administered a questionnaire that assessed their ability to articulate concepts of professionalism after either (1) watching the ACS case-based DVD, (2) reading the ACS “Code of Professional Conduct,” or (3) neither. Blinded faculty rated responses according to a scoring scale. Data were analyzed statistically to assess differences. Results Residents who watched the ACS DVD scored higher than those who did not (p = 0.096). Junior and senior residents (PG 2-5) who watched the DVD were more likely to score above the mean than interns (p = 0.095). In contrast to interns, where no differences were observed, among junior and senior residents, the proportion of participants who scored above the mean was higher in the ACS DVD group (p = 0.009). Conclusions Surgical residents at all levels were successful in defining components of professionalism. With increased postgraduate level, they matured in their ability to extract concepts of professionalism from the multimedia case-based educational tool. The ACS DVD enhanced the comfort of residents in recognizing challenges to professionalism.
A Ramsey property for graph invariants

We consider the problem of which graph invariants have a certain property relating to Ramsey's theorem. Invariants which have this property are called Ramsey functions. We examine properties of chains of graphs associated with Ramsey functions. Methods are developed which enable one to prove that a given invariant is not a Ramsey function. Results for several familiar invariants are presented.
Efficacy of interventions in improving highly active antiretroviral therapy adherence and HIV-1 RNA viral load. A meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials.

Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is generally suboptimal, limiting the effectiveness of HAART. This meta-analytic review examined whether behavioral interventions addressing HAART adherence are successful in increasing the likelihood of a patient attaining 95% adherence or an undetectable HIV-1 RNA viral load (VL). We searched electronic databases from January 1996 to September 2005, consulted with experts in the field, and hand searched reference sections from relevant articles. Nineteen studies (with a total of 1839 participants) met the selection criteria of describing a randomized controlled trial among adults evaluating a behavioral intervention with HAART adherence or VL as an outcome. Random-effects models indicated that across studies, participants in the intervention arm were more likely than those in the control arm to achieve 95% adherence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16 to 1.94); the effect was nearly significant for undetectable VL (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.59). The intervention effect for 95% adherence was significantly stronger in studies that used recall periods of 2 weeks or 1 month (vs. <7 days). No other stratification variables (ie, study, sample, measurement, methodologic quality, intervention characteristics) moderated the intervention effect, but some potentially important factors were observed. In sum, various HAART adherence intervention strategies were shown to be successful, but more research is needed to identify the most efficacious intervention components and the best methods for implementing them in real-world settings with limited resources.
A decision support system for real estate investment portfolio management

Abstract Managers of portfolios of sizeable income-producing properties face a series of significant short and long-range planning problems. Many of these can best be addressed by a DSS specifically designed for their needs. This article examines industry factors, design goals, and functions of a system used to improve major real property asset acquisition, improvement, and divestment decisions. Success factors and implications for DSS developers are also discussed.
Chemical and petrologic trends in anorthositic and associated rocks of the Nain massif, Labrador

Abstract Two rock series are distinguished in the Nain anorthosite massif: the anorthosite-adamellite suite, occupying most of the massif, and the troctolite-syenite suite, which occurs in layered intrusions. Field relations show that troctolitic rocks intrude anorthositic rocks, but are intruded by adamellitic rocks. The following evolutionary model is suggested for the Nain massif. Fractional crystallization in a parental magma resulted in a density-stratified magma mass in which plagioclase crystals accumulated by suspension at a level where the density of crystal and liquid matched. Thus, a plagioclase cumulate formed, which was underlain by heavier troctolitic magma and overlain by lighter acidic magma. Settling of the plagioclase mass caused local intrusion of troctolitic magma, which differentiated in members of the troctolite-syenite suite. Subsequent disturbance of the magma chamber distorted the solidified portion, and caused local intrusive relationships between it and the acidic rest magma, which further differentiated in members of the adamellite series.
Nucleosome adaptability conferred by sequence and structural variations in histone H2A-H2B dimers.

Nucleosome variability is essential for their functions in compacting the chromatin structure and regulation of transcription, replication and cell reprogramming. The DNA molecule in nucleosomes is wrapped around an octamer composed of four types of core histones (H3, H4, H2A, H2B). Nucleosomes represent dynamic entities and may change their conformation, stability and binding properties by employing different sets of histone variants or by becoming post-translationally modified. There are many variants of histones H2A and H2B. Specific H2A and H2B variants may preferentially associate with each other resulting in different combinations of variants and leading to the increased combinatorial complexity of nucleosomes. In addition, the H2A–H2B dimer can be recognized and substituted by chaperones/remodelers as a distinct unit, can assemble independently and is stable during nucleosome unwinding. In this review we discuss how sequence and structural variations in H2A–H2B dimers may provide necessary complexity and confer the nucleosome functional variability.
Limited Lentiviral Transgene Expression with Increasing Copy Number in an MGMT Selection Model: Lack of Copy Number Selection by Drug Treatment

Retroviral vector integration into the human genome carries increased risk of oncogenesis with increasing integrations. To boost transgene expression for gene therapy, multiple integrations are often sought. We studied the relationship between the number of vector integrations and transgene expression and the effect that drug selection in an MGMT-selection model would have on vector copy number. K562 cells were transduced using a lentiviral vector and a library of clones was generated. Median proviral copy number was 4 and a positive correlation with transgene expression was observed. Transgene expression increased at a linear rate between 1 and 4 vector copies/cell, but was unpredictable at >4 integrations/cell. When lentivirus MGMT(P140K)-transduced K562 cells were treated with O6-benzylguanine (BG)/BCNU, there was no selection for increased median copy number in colony-forming units, despite strong selection pressure and an increase in transgene expression and activity. These data show a direct and linear correlation between MGMT(P140K) transgene expression and vector copy number. Strong BG/BCNU selective pressure does not result in preferential survival of high-copy-number clones but does select for strong transgene expression. Thus drug selection would not be expected to increase the risk of oncogenesis due to exaggerated selection in favor of high-copy-number vector integration.
Evidence for benthic-pelagic food web coupling and carbon export from California margin bamboo coral archives

Deep-sea bamboo corals (order Gorgonacea, family Isididae) are known to record changes in water mass chemistry over decades to centuries. These corals are composed of a two-part skeleton of calcite internodes segmented by gorgonin organic nodes. We examine the spatial variability of bamboo coral organic node 13 C/ 12 C and 15 N/ 14 N from 13 bamboo coral specimens sampled along the California margin (37–32° N, 792–2136 m depth). Radiocarbon analyses of the organic nodes show the presence of the anthropogenic bomb spike, indicating the corals utilize a surface-derived food source (pre-bomb D 14 C values of ∼−100‰, post-bomb values up to 82‰). Carbon and nitrogen isotope data from the organic nodes (δ 13 C = −15.9‰ to −19.2‰; δ 15 N = 13.8‰ to 19.4‰) suggest selective feeding on surface-derived organic matter or zooplankton. A strong relationship between coral δ 15 N and habitat depth indicates a potential archive of changing carbon export, with decreased δ 15 N values reflecting reduced microbial degradation (increased carbon flux) at shallower depths. Using four multi-centennial-length coral records, we interpret long-term δ 15 N stability in the California Current. Organic node δ 15 C values record differences in carbon isotope fractionation dictated by nearshore vs. offshore primary production. These findings imply strong coupling between primary production, pelagic food webs, and deep-sea benthic communities.
Characterization of ordered mesoporous silica films using small-angle neutron scattering and X-ray porosimetry

Ordered mesoporous silica films were synthesized using pre-organized block copolymer templates in supercritical carbon dioxide. Poly(ethylene oxide- block-propylene oxide-block-ethylene oxide), PEO-bPPO-b-PEO, films doped with p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA) were infused with carbon dioxide solutions of silica precursors. Silica condensation proceeded selectively in the hydrophilic PEO domain due to selective partitioning of the acid catalyst in the template during its preparation. Removal of the organic template by calcination at 400 °C yielded robust mesoporous films. The films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), X-ray reflectivity (XR), Rutherford backscattering (RBS), forward recoil elastic spectroscopy (FRES), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The pore structure and distribution was probed using contrast variation SANS porosimetry and X-ray porosimetry. Two distinct populations of pores are present in the films. Spherical mesopores were templated by the hydrophobic domain of the copolymer. Micropores in the pore walls are present due to removal of the hydrophilic PEO block, which forms an interpenetrating network (IPN)-like structure with the silicate network during infusion and condensation of the precursor. The wall density was determined to be (1.95 ( 0.05) g cm -3 and the overall porosity was found to be 39 vol %, with good agreement between the SANS and X-ray reflectivity results. A significant fraction of the total porosity, 44% to 53%, in these materials is attributed to the micropores in the wall structure.
Sonohysterography in premenopausal women with and without abnormal bleeding

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of abnormalities detected by sonohysterography in premenopausal women who were asymptomatic or had abnormal uterine bleeding. Methods: Standard sonohysterography was done in 100 asymptomatic premenopausal women age 30 and older. The prevalence of uterine abnormalities was recorded and compared with findings in 80 premenopausal women evaluated in our unit for abnormal uterine bleeding. Results: Compared with asymptomatic women, premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding had a higher prevalence of polyps (33 versus 10%), intracavitary myomas (21 versus 1%), and intramural myomas (58 versus 13%). Ten percent of asymptomatic women had polyps, but these polyps tended to be smaller than the polyps found in women with abnormal bleeding (8.5 versus 13.9 mm, P = .064). Polyps were associated significantly with myomas, and both were more common in older premenopausal women. Conclusion: Intracavitary lesions and intramural myomas are more prevalent in women with abnormal uterine bleeding than in asymptomatic women, suggesting a causative relationship. However, small endometrial polyps are common and frequently asymptomatic.
Reduction of Ultraviolet-Induced Immunosuppression and Enhanced Resistance to Ultraviolet-Induced Tumors by Retinyl Palmitate and Canthaxanthin

There is strong evidence that UV irradiation is a causal factor in human nonmelanoma skin cancer (1–3), and that immunosuppression is a high risk factor for skin cancer in humans (4,5). The use of animal model systems to investigate the sequence of events which lead to the induction and progression of skin tumors following chronic ultraviolet irradiation has clearly shown that the genotoxic effect of UV irradiation is only one of the components involved in this process. Immunological factors are also critically important in the pathogenesis of UV induced skin cancers (6,7). Most tumors induced by UV irradiation are highly antigenic and cannot grow in normal syngeneic mice. However, they can grow in immunodepressed or UV irradiated mice. The inability to reject antigenic, syngeneic UV-induced tumors can be transferred from UV irradiated mice to naive recipients with splenocytes bearing an Lyt-1+, Lyt-2−, L3T4+, Ia−, henotype(8). This anergy has been found to be critical in photocarcinogenesis (9). Significantly, the suppression induced by UV irradiation appears to be restricted to contact hypersensitivity reactions and rejection of tumors induced by UV radiation or some chemicals (10,11). Antibody formation, mitogen reactivity, and allograft rejection are reported to be normal in UV irradiated mice (12–14).
Largemouth Bass Abundance and Angler Catch Rates following a Habitat Enhancement Project at Lake Kissimmee, Florida

Abstract A habitat enhancement project was conducted at Lake Kissimmee, Florida, during 1995-1996 to improve fish habitat and remove dense inshore vegetation caused by stabilized water levels. We evaluated abundance of age-1 (<250 mm total length (TL)) and adult (fish at least 356 mm TL and all sizes of fish caught by anglers) largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides before and after the habitat enhancement. Mean electrofishing catch per hour (CPH) of age-1 largemouth bass increased significantly after the 1995-1996 habitat enhancement, suggesting strong year-classes for 2 years after the habitat enhancement (i.e., 1997-1998 year-classes). Growth of age-1 largemouth bass also increased following habitat enhancement; mean total length of age-1 fish averaged 143 mm before enhancement and 186 mm after enhancement. Catch curves conducted in 2001 and 2002 corroborated historical electrofishing data indicating that the 1997 and 1998 year-classes were abundant as adults compared with other year-classes in the age f...
Women's Health Initiative Hormone Therapy Trials: New insights on Cardiovascular Disease from Additional Years of Follow up.

Debate and controversy surrounding the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) for prevention of cardiovascular disease has continued in the decade since the cessation of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) hormone therapy interventions. As a result, many women and their physicians have been reluctant to turn to MHT for relief of vasomotor and other menopausal symptoms. However, several follow-up studies of WHI participants provide additional insight into clinical characteristics of women who are more likely to have favorable outcomes and lower rates of adverse events associated with MHT. This report focuses on those studies that identify characteristics and biomarkers helpful in stratifying risk for an individual. Incorporation of these factors into a benefit:risk model could assist in patient-oriented decision making regarding use of MHT. Personalizing treatment offers the potential to minimize risk and improve health outcomes.
Optimized relay placement to federate segments in wireless sensor networks

Federating disjoint segments may be necessary in some applications of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The segments can be simply distinct WSNs that operate autonomously or partitions of a single WSN that has suffered a significant damage. Linking these segments is subject to varying distances among segments which may be longer than twice the communication range of a relay node. In this work, we focus on designing an effective approach for federating these segments by populating the least number of relay nodes. The deployment area is modeled as a grid with equal-sized cells. The optimization problem is then mapped to selecting the fewest count of cells to populate relay nodes such that all segments are connected. Finding the optimal number and positions of relay nodes with respect to length between segments is NP-hard and heuristics are thus pursued. We propose a distributed Cell-based Optimized Relay node Placement (CORP) algorithm and explain the beneficial aspects of the resulting topology with respect to connectivity, and traffic balance. The performance of CORP is validated through extensive simulation experiments.