cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Connecting Brain Development, Disruptive Behavior, and Children

This introduction explains the importance of disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) as a mental illness, as representative of the value of developmental approaches to brain-based problems, and as a key public health problem. We provide a brief summary of current understanding of brain development relevant to DBDs as a framework for the symposium that was the basis for this volume. We identify important considerations and the many areas of work that are still just emerging and the many that are quite established but still rapidly developing. The roles of the included chapters in this overall understanding are described.
Emotion recognition in temporal lobe epilepsy: a systematic review

There is increasing interest in the understanding of emotion recognition deficits in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the most common form of focal epilepsies. There are conflicting reports about impairments for different emotions in right and left temporal lobe epilepsy patients. A systematic review and a narrative synthesis was conducted for studies investigating emotion recognition (ER) in TLE. Embase, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and Pubmed were searched from 1990 to March 2015 and reference lists were reviewed. 996 citations were identified and 43 studies were finally included. ER deficits are consistently observed across studies. A fear recognition deficit is always reported, followed by deficits in sadness and disgust recognition. Deficits are observed across visual and auditory domains. Conflicting evidence is present concerning the severity of ER deficits in right and left TLE. Studies on anterior temporal lobectomy report data similar to that observed in pre-surgical patients. Current evidence supports the conclusion that recognition of negative emotions is commonly impaired in TLE, particularly for fear, and in the visual domain. Future work should focus on more ecologically valid test, on longitudinal studies to assess the role of anterior temporal lobectomy, and to correlate ER measures to social functioning in everyday life.
A randomized phase II study of anti-PD1 antibody [MK-3475 (Pembrolizumab)] alone versus anti-PD1 antibody plus stereotactic body radiation therapy in advanced merkel cell carcinoma (Alliance A091605).

TPS9599Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous malignancy associated with ultraviolet light exposure, advanced age and infection with the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCP). Histori...
Newer technologies for detection of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that is associated with increased risk of stroke, which can be reduced with appropriate anticoagulation treatment. However, it remains underdiagnosed in contemporary clinical practice using conventional detection methods, resulting in missed opportunities to implement appropriate treatment. Newer technologies developed in recent years can potentially enhance the detection of atrial fibrillation and overcome certain limitations of the conventional methods. However, uncertainties remain about their use and the significance of atrial fibrillation detected by some of these newer technologies. This review examines the evidence supporting the use of some of these technologies and evaluates their applications in certain clinical scenarios.
Partial Scleral Rupture Presenting 4 Years After Laser in Situ Keratomileusis.

Purpose To report a case of partial scleral rupture after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. Methods This is a retrospective case report describing a late complication of LASIK surgery. Results A 32-year-old white woman with a history of LASIK surgery performed with a mechanical microkeratome 4 years previously presented for evaluation of partial bilateral scleral ruptures. An arcuate filtering bleb along the contour of the cornea was found on the right eye with associated hypotony and corneal astigmatism. There were no signs or symptoms of prior inflammation, and rheumatologic workup was negative. Imaging revealed scleral microbreaks in the absence of adjacent thinning. Conclusions The pattern and location of thinning without findings consistent with inflammatory disease suggest that the partial bilateral scleral rupture was because of mechanical damage at the time of LASIK, possibly compounded by the hormonal changes of pregnancy.
Perceptions of a night float system for intern doctors in an internal medicine program: an Asian perspective.

Long duty hours have been associated with significant medical errors, adverse events, and physician "burn-out". An innovative night float (NF) system has been implemented in our internal medicine program to reduce the negative effects of long duty hours associated with conventional full-call systems. However, concerns remain if this would result in inadequate training for interns. We developed a structured questionnaire to assess junior doctors' perceptions of the NF system compared to full calls, in areas of patient safety, medical training, and well-being. Ninety-seven (71%) of the 137 doctors polled responded. Ninety-one (94%) felt the NF system was superior to the full call system. A strong majority felt NF was beneficial for patient safety compared to full call (94% vs. 2%, p<0.001). The NF system was also perceived to reduce medical errors (94% vs. 2%, p<0.001) and reduce physician "burn-out" (95% vs. 5%, p<0.001). Beyond being a practical solution to duty-hour limitations, there was a significant perceived benefit of the NF system compared to the full call in terms of overall satisfaction, patient safety, reducing medical errors and physician "burn-out".
Raters’ measurement of test-task authentic engagement in L2 oral-performance assessment: An exploration of scale development

Abstract In second language (L2) performance testing, an underlying assumption is that test takers engage with the test task and respond in authentic, spontaneous L2 speech. By doing so they tap into cognitive and psychological processes that resemble those used in the real world. Raters may be sensitive to whether test takers are authentically engaged; however, no empirical studies have looked at this aspect of rater judgement, perhaps because there is no concrete way to measure it. In this paper, I report on the development and validation of an instrument, with nine semantic differentials, to measure test takers’ authentic test-task engagement. Fifty-eight raters used it to rate ten L2 English speech samples categorized into three levels of authenticity. The raters were consistent and classified the samples into three significantly different levels of authentic engagement, as expected. Principal components analysis revealed two underlying instrument components: authenticity and proficiency. Relevance (off-/on-topic) unexpectedly did not correlate strongly with authenticity. The scale may be useful for helping applied linguists understand raters’ perceptions of authentic test-task engagement. Based on the results, rater training programs may need to clarify more what raters should do when they come across what they perceive as inauthentic engagement.
Telerobotic Device for Roadway Debris Vacuuming

This paper discusses an end-effector for telerobotic positioning of the nozzle for a vacuum-based roadway debris removal vehicle. While relatively simple in its structure, the system allows for the collection of debris along fences, shrubbery, guardrails, medians, and some embankments by using a large vacuum nozzle that will be extended with a boom reaching forward of the vehicle’s cab and swinging to the left and right sides. The paper also presents the results of experiments that allow for better understanding of the astrictive capabilities of such a vacuum system and thus lead to their optimal design.
Association between adjuvant radiation therapy and overall survival in Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma

Abstract Background Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a low-grade central nervous system (CNS) tumor with a generally favorable prognosis. However, due to its rarity, optimal adjuvant treatment guidelines have not been established by large scale studies. In this study, we investigated the effect of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) on overall survival (OS) in adult patients with PXA to help address this unanswered question. Methods The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to identify adult patients (age ≥ 18 years old) diagnosed with histologically confirmed grade II PXA (2004–2016). Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment information were collected. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to study OS, and factors that affected OS were identified using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model. Results A total of 546 patients were identified. The average age of patients at diagnosis was 36.6 years old, and overall median survival was 128.6 months. RT was used to treat 179 (33.3 %) patients. Those who received RT had a shorter median OS (33.3 months) compared to those who did not (>128.6 months, p Conclusion In adults with PXA, treatment with RT is independently associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality. The routine use of this modality in treating PXA warrants further study.
Arabidopsis ACINUS is O-glycosylated and regulates transcription and alternative splicing of regulators of reproductive transitions

O-GlcNAc modification plays important roles in metabolic regulation of cellular status. Two homologs of O-GlcNAc transferase, SECRET AGENT (SEC) and SPINDLY (SPY), which have O-GlcNAc and O-fucosyl transferase activities, respectively, are essential in Arabidopsis but have largely unknown cellular targets. Here we show that AtACINUS is O-GlcNAcylated and O-fucosylated and mediates regulation of transcription, alternative splicing (AS), and developmental transitions. Knocking-out both AtACINUS and its distant paralog AtPININ causes severe growth defects including dwarfism, delayed seed germination and flowering, and abscisic acid (ABA) hypersensitivity. Transcriptomic and protein-DNA/RNA interaction analyses demonstrate that AtACINUS represses transcription of the flowering repressor FLC and mediates AS of ABH1 and HAB1, two negative regulators of ABA signaling. Proteomic analyses show AtACINUS's O-GlcNAcylation, O-fucosylation, and association with splicing factors, chromatin remodelers, and transcriptional regulators. Some AtACINUS/AtPININ-dependent AS events are altered in the sec and spy mutants, demonstrating a function of O-glycosylation in regulating alternative RNA splicing.
Preempting Court-Civil Society Synergy: How China Balances Judicial Autonomy and Legal Activism

In the past two decades, two successive Chinese administrations have taken two drastically different and seemingly self-contradictory stances towards judicial autonomy and legal activism. Hu Jintao, under the banner of “harmonious society,” adopted a relatively mild approach towards activist lawyers while concurrently undermining court independence. The current administration, on the other hand, has taken the opposite route in an effort to promote “law-based governance,” severely limiting the space for legal activism while pressing for reform aimed at enhancing judges’ autonomy and professionalism. This study argues that the transition was motivated by a combination of three factors: the regime’s changing conception of its own legitimacy, the recent centralization of political power, and the regime’s continual desire to avoid synergy between judicial autonomy and legal activism, which it deems a threat to social and political stability.
JOHAN: A Joint Online Hurricane Trajectory and Intensity Forecasting Framework

Hurricanes are one of the most catastrophic natural forces with potential to inflict severe damages to properties and loss of human lives from high winds and inland flooding. Accurate long-term forecasting of the trajectory and intensity of advancing hurricanes is therefore crucial to provide timely warnings for civilians and emergency responders to mitigate costly damages and their life-threatening impact. In this paper, we present a novel online learning framework called JOHAN that simultaneously predicts the trajectory and intensity of a hurricane based on outputs produced by an ensemble of dynamic (physical) hurricane models. In addition, JOHAN is designed to generate accurate forecasts of the ordinal-valued hurricane intensity categories to ensure that their severity level can be reliably communicated to the public. The framework also employs exponentially-weighted quantile loss functions to bias the algorithm towards improving its prediction accuracy for high category hurricanes approaching landfall. Experimental results using real-world hurricane data demonstrated the superiority of JOHAN compared to several state-of-the-art learning approaches.
Which Investors to Protect? Evolving Conceptions of the American Shareholder, 1900-Present

A system of investor protection rests on a theory of which investors need protection. This chapter surveys the composition and perception of individual investors in American capital markets from 1900 to the present. The retail investor base has expanded remarkably during that time. Beyond the statistics, distinct “images” of the shareholder—that is, perceptions of the prototypical American investor—have dominated at different moments of U.S. securities law history. Although no one image will ever capture the full complexity of capital markets, I attempt to identify prevailing images in specific eras of securities regulation history, by examining comments by policymakers and industry participants. These images influence policy priorities and design.
Effect of pH and concentration on the chemical stability and reaction kinetics of thiamine mononitrate and thiamine chloride hydrochloride in solution.

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is an essential micronutrient in the human diet, found both naturally and as a fortification ingredient in many foods and supplements. However, it is susceptible to degradation due to heat, light, alkaline pH, and sulfites, among effects from other food matrix components, and its degradation has both nutritional and sensory implications as in foods. Thiamine storage stability in solution was monitored over time to determine the effect of solution pH and thiamine concentration on reaction kinetics of degradation without the use of buffers, which are known to affect thiamine stability independent of pH. The study directly compared thiamine stability in solutions prepared with different pHs (3 or 6), concentrations (1 or 20 mg/mL), and counterion in solution (NO3-, Cl-, or both), including both commercially available salt forms of thiamine (thiamine mononitrate and thiamine chloride hydrochloride). Solutions were stored at 25, 40, 60, and 80 °C for up to one year, and degradation was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) over time, which was then used to calculate degradation kinetics. Thiamine was significantly more stable in pH 3 than in pH 6 solutions. In pH 6 solutions, stability was dependent on initial thiamine concentration, with the 20 mg/mL thiamine salt solutions having an increased reaction rate constant (kobs) compared to the 1 mg/mL solutions. In pH 3 solutions, kobs was not dependent on initial concentration, attributed to differences in degradation pathway dependent on pH. Activation energies of degradation (Ea) were higher in pH 3 solutions (21-27 kcal/mol) than in pH 6 solutions (18-21 kcal/mol), indicating a difference in stability and degradation pathway due to pH. The fundamental reaction kinetics of thiamine reported in this study provide a basis for understanding thiamine stability and therefore improving thiamine delivery in many foods containing both natural and fortified thiamine.
Primary cell culture for biochemical studies of human keratinocytes. A method for production of very large numbers of cells without the necessity of subculturing techniques.

SUMMARY Starting with large numbers of small split-thickness explains of human skin, it is possible to grow ample numbers ol keratinocytes in vitro as primary cell cultures to permit biochemical studies without the need of subculturing techniques.
Distribution and persistence of technetium-99 hexamethyl propylene amine oxime-labelled bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in experimentally induced tendon lesions after intratendinous injection and regional perfusion of the equine distal limb.

Reasons for performing studyIntralesional (i.l.) injection is currently the most commonly used technique for stem cell therapy in equine tendon injury. A comparison of different techniques of injection of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of tendon lesions is required.ObjectivesWe hypothesised that vascular perfusion of the equine distal limb with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would result in preferential distribution of MSCs to acute tendon injuries.Study designIn vivo experimental study.MethodsLesions were surgically induced in forelimb superficial digital flexor tendons of 8 horses. Three or 10 days after lesion induction, technetium-99 hexamethyl propylene amine oxime-labelled MSCs were injected via i.v. or intra-arterial (i.a.) regional limb perfusion (RLP) at the level of the distal antebrachium and compared to i.l. injection. Mesenchymal stem cell persistence and distribution within the forelimb and tendon lesions was assessed with scintigraphy for 24h.ResultsLesion uptake was higher with i.l. injection than with RLP, but MSC persistence decreased similarly over time in all 3 techniques. Intra-arterial RLP resulted in a better distribution of MSCs and a higher uptake at the lesion site than i.v. RLP. Limbs perfused i.a. on Day 10 showed greater accumulation of MSCs in the lesion than limbs perfused on Day 3. Arterial thrombosis occurred in 50% of the i.v. RLP limbs and in 100% of the i.a. RLP limbs, which led to clinical complications in one horse.Conclusions and potential relevanceCompared with i.l. injection, RLP results in lower uptake but similar persistence of MSCs at the site of tendon lesions. A time dependent accumulation of MSCs was identified with i.a. RLP. The i.a. RLP appears more advantageous than the i.v. RLP in terms of distribution and uptake. However, the described i.a. technique produced arterial thrombosis and thus cannot currently be recommended for clinical use. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information.
Anomalous Increase of Friction in the Vicinity of Nano-Size Defects

A new phenomenon, anomalous increase of static friction in the vicinity of atomic defects, is studied by means of molecular simulations. It is found that an apex of a single asperity contact becomes “trapped” in the vicinity of a defect provided the normal force acting between the apex and surface is above some critical value. Examples of an atomic vacancy and a step are analyzed. The anomaly is the result of non-trivial force interaction near defects. Considered dynamically, the effect can result in additional wearing during sliding.
Historical Reflections on Diet, Exercise, and Obesity: The Recurring Need to“Put Words into Action”

Abstract. According to a 2010 announcement by the Centers for Disease Control, more than one third of adults and nearly 20% of children in the United States are obese. Obesity and its attendant health issues are becoming a global problem. In spite of the fact that a monumental number of articles in important scientific and clinical journals now support what Plato and others have been setting forth for more than 2,000 years regarding proper diet and adequate exercise, far too little is being done to “put words into action.” This article offers an overview of both lesser known and more familiar works that have addressed this issue. Resume. Selon un avis emis en 2010 par les Centres de prevention et de controle des maladies, plus du tiers des adultes et pres de vingt pour cent des enfants aux Etats-Unis sont obeses. L’obesite et les problematiques de sante lui etant associees sont devenues un probleme mondial. « En depit du fait qu’un impressionnant nombre d’articles parus dans d’importantes revues scientifiques et cliniques soutiennent ce que Platon et d’autres ont revele il y a plus de deux mille ans sur les bienfaits d’une bonne alimentation et de l’activite physique, trop peu est fait pour traduire les paroles en actes. Cet article donne un apercu des travaux traitant de cette problematique, meconnus tout aussi bien que reputes ».
The hemodynamics of a uterine contraction.

Abstract 1. 1. An attempt has been made to estimate by indirect methods the amount of blood extruded from the uterus into the maternal venous reservoir during the early portion of the contraction cycle. From this study it would appear that this volume of blood may be in the range of 250 to 300 c.c. 2. 2. The blood pressure rises quite consistently during a uterine contraction. Most commonly, the systolic pressure rises by 10 to 20 mm. Hg, while the rise in diastolic pressure is somewhat less. 3. 3. During the early part of the contraction the heart rate tends to rise, followed by a substantial lowering of the rate by the time the contraction is at its maximum intensity. 4. 4. The stroke volume appears to drop slightly during the initial stages of the contraction cycle, after which it rises significantly above the base line level. 5. 5. The heart rate and stroke appear to maintain a somewhat reciprocal relationship throughout the contraction cycle. 6. 6. Central venous pressure rises in response to a uterine contraction. Brachial venous pressure shows little or no response. Femoral venous pressure rises sharply in the very earliest phase of the contraction, and then drops to a somewhat lower elevation for the rest of the active portion of the contraction, after which it subsides to its original level.
String Field Theory

This elementary introduction to string field theory highlights the features and the limitations of this approach to quantum gravity as it is currently understood. String field theory is a formulation of string theory as a field theory in space-time with an infinite number of massive fields. Although existing constructions of string field theory require expanding around a fixed choice of space-time background, the theory is in principle background-independent, in the sense that different backgrounds can be realized as different field configurations in the theory. String field theory is the only string formalism developed so far which, in principle, has the potential to systematically address questions involving multiple asymptotically distinct string backgrounds. Thus, although it is not yet well defined as a quantum theory, string field theory may eventually be helpful for understanding questions related to cosmology in string theory.
Protoplasts as a tool for isolating functional chloroplasts from leaves

Leaf protoplasts from various grasses can be used for isolating chloroplasts with high photosyndietic activity. The protoplasts were stable for more than 20 hr during which time chloroplasts could be isolated from protoplasts without any loss of original CO2 fixation capacity (100–157 μmoles/mg chl-hr). Using Triticum aestiuum to optimize assay conditions, the pH optimum for CO2 fixation by the chloroplasts isolated from protoplasts was between 8.2 and 8.6. Magnesium (0.75 mM) was required for maximum CO2 fixation by the isolated chloroplasts and sodium ascorbate in the medium allowed a more linear increase in CO2 fixation with time. Based upon 14CO2 fixation and ferricyanide-dependent oxygen evolution as criteria of intactness, chloroplasts from protoplasts exhibited a high degree of intactness compared to those obtained by mechanical grinding. Chloroplasts isolated from grass leaves by mechanical grinding had a relatively low capacity for endogenous CO2 fixation and required addition of ribose-5-phosphate and ADP for maximum activity.
The predictive value of single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography for sentinel lymph node localization in head and neck cutaneous malignancy

Objectives/Hypothesis Preoperative localization of sentinel lymph nodes in head and neck cutaneous malignancies can be aided by single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT); however, its true predictive value for identifying lymph nodes intraoperatively remains unquantified. This study aims to understand the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of SPECT/CT in sentinel lymph node biopsy for cutaneous malignancies of the head and neck. Study Design Blinded retrospective imaging review with comparison to intraoperative gamma probe confirmed sentinel lymph nodes. Methods A consecutive series of patients with a head and neck cutaneous malignancy underwent preoperative SPECT/CT followed by sentinel lymph node biopsy with a gamma probe. Two nuclear medicine physicians, blinded to clinical data, independently reviewed each SPECT/CT. Activity within radiographically defined nodal basins was recorded and compared to intraoperative gamma probe findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were calculated with subgroup stratification by primary tumor site. Results Ninety-two imaging reads were performed on 47 patients with cutaneous malignancy who underwent SPECT/CT followed by sentinel lymph node biopsy. Overall sensitivity was 73%, specificity 92%, positive predictive value 54%, and negative predictive value 96%. The predictive ability of SPECT/CT to identify the basin or an adjacent basin containing the single hottest node was 92%. SPECT/CT overestimated uptake by an average of one nodal basin. In the head and neck, SPECT/CT has higher reliability for primary lesions of the eyelid, scalp, and cheek. Conclusions SPECT/CT has high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value, but may overestimate relevant nodal basins in sentinel lymph node biopsy. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 125:877–882, 2015
The alpha factor and the conquest of Mexico: A study in ethological history

“Alpha behavior” affected human politics and social organization during the sixteenth-century conquest of Mexico by Spanish imperialists. The behavior of Spanish conquistadores is compared to that of other primates in the well-known studies of Jane Goodall and Frans de Waal. Parallels between Spanish and Aztec behavior are also noted so as to identify the shared patterns of behavior that cross human cultures and may be called primate universals. One of these universals is the alpha factor. It administers the social order through the ability to balance benevolence and brutality in order to maintain coalitions and the loyalty of subordinates. The alpha factor is expressed through display behaviors that vary with culture, but all cultures, including those of chimpanzees and bonobos, build around it. It may be tempered by the presence of female coalitions or of a bonobo alpha female, but it is a visible focal point of a society, thereby making display a necessary part of leadership.
Children with chronic conditions in the 21st century

The care of children who have chronic conditions should focus on improving the lives of the children and their families. This is accomplished most effectively through community-based, family-centered care. Critical issues for these children and families in entering the next century include the level of insurance, content of benefits package, level of evidence required for health insurance reimbursement, preparation of and incentives for health care professionals, roles being demanded of families. As the richest country in the world, we should be able to (1) provide universal coverage, (2) guarantee a comprehensive benefits package that applies a child-specific standard of medical necessity, (3) establish criteria for requiring insurers to reimburse for new effective therapies, (4) develop strategies for overcoming professional barriers, and (5) create mechanisms for compensating family caretakers for their care.
Genetic Structure of Galápagos Populations of the Yellow Warbler

Abstract Sequence variation of control region mitochondrial DNA, phylogenetic reconstruction, and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) were used to determine the degree of genetic structure of Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) in the Galapagos Archipelago. When the Galapagos population was partitioned into subpopulations (by island), AMOVA indicated a nonsignificant level of genetic structure. The presence of the same haplotype on more than one island also indicated low genetic divergence among subpopulations. Using these sequences and those available in Genbank, we also determined the degree of divergence between the Galapagos Yellow Warbler population and other New World populations. Mean sequence divergence between the Galapagos population and Latin American populations was 3.7%, and between the Galapagos population and North American populations was 6.7%.
Multi-period price promotions in a single-supplier, multi-retailer supply chain under asymmetric demand information

This paper considers a two-stage supply chain in which a supplier serves a set of stores in a retail chain. We consider a two-stage Stackelberg game in which the supplier must set price discounts for each period of a finite planning horizon under uncertainty in retail-store demand. As a mechanism to stimulate sales, the supplier offers periodic off-invoice price discounts to the retail chain. Based on the price discounts offered by the supplier, and after store demand uncertainty is resolved, the retail chain determines individual store order quantities in each period. Because the supplier offers store-specific prices, the retailer may ship inventory between stores, a practice known as diverting. We demonstrate that, despite the resulting bullwhip effect and associated costs, a carefully designed price promotion scheme can improve the supplier’s profit when compared to the case of everyday low pricing (EDLP). We model this problem as a stochastic bilevel optimization problem with a bilinear objective at each level and with linear constraints. We provide an exact solution method based on a Reformulation-Linearization Technique (RLT). In addition, we compare our solution approach with a widely used heuristic and another exact solution method developed by Al-Khayyal (Eur. J. Oper. Res. 60(3):306–314, 1992) in order to benchmark its quality.
Identification of. delta. S = 1 transitions in /sup 13/C by measurement of pion inelastic excitation functions

Differential cross sections for $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ ($\ensuremath{\pi}$,${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) were measured between 100 and 300 MeV for momentum transfers of $1.1\ensuremath{\hbar}$ ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and $1.4\ensuremath{\hbar}$ ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. In this energy range the different energy dependences of the spin-dependent and spin-independent parts of the pion-nucleon interaction provide a very sensitive method of discriminating between transitions that proceed with a spin transfer ($\ensuremath{\Delta}S=1$) or without a spin transfer ($\ensuremath{\Delta}S=0$). Five transitions in $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ were found to be dominated by the $\ensuremath{\Delta}S=1$ transition density amplitude.
Fabrication of pure and Nb-TiO 2 nanotubes and their functional properties

Abstract TiO2 and Nb-doped TiO2 nanotubes were obtained on flexible polymeric substrates (Kapton HN) and alumina with high roughness (alumina substrate with granular surface). Nanotubes were prepared by electrochemical anodization of a Ti thick film. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to investigate the morphology of the structures and the roughness of the substrates. The functional properties of tubular arrays obtained on flexible and rough substrates were investigated towards two applications, namely, chemoresistive gas sensors and flexible dye sensitized solar cells.
U.S. state-level social capital and health-related quality of life: multilevel evidence of main, mediating, and modifying effects.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between state-level social capital and adult health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the United States. Methods Using data from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey and other surveys and administrative sources, we conducted a two-level, multivariable analysis of 173,236 adults in 48 U.S. states to estimate the associations of state-level social capital (along two scales) with individual-level self-rated general health and the numbers of recent days of poor physical health, poor mental health, and activity limitation. Results For each social capital scale, living in a state intermediate or high (vs. low) in social capital was each associated with 10% to 11% lower odds of fair/poor health. Higher state-level social capital also predicted fewer recent days of poor physical and mental health and activity limitation. Differential returns of social capital to HRQOL according to state-level mean income and individual-level age and race/ethnicity were observed. Furthermore, evidence was found compatible with mediation by social capital of income inequality effects on HRQOL. Conclusions This study yields new evidence consistent with protective effects of state-level social capital on individual HRQOL. Promoting social capital may provide a means of improving the health-related quality of life of Americans.
Application of an adaptive control grid interpolation technique to MR data set augmentation aimed at morphological vascular reconstruction

The total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is a palliative surgical repair performed on children with a single ventricle (SV) physiology. Much of the power produced by the resultant single ventricle pump is consumed in the systemic circulation. Consequently the minimization of power loss in the TCPC is imperative for optimal surgical outcome. Toward this end we have developed a method of vascular morphology reconstruction based on adaptive control grid interpolation (ACGI) to function as a precursor to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis aimed at quantifying power loss. Our technique combines positive aspects of optical flow-based and block-based motion estimation algorithms to accurately augment insufficiently dense Magnetic Resonance (MR) data sets with a minimal degree of computational complexity. The resulting enhanced data sets are used to reconstruct vascular geometries, and the subsequent reconstructions can then be used in conjunction with CFD simulations to offer th pressure and velocity information necessary to quantify power loss in the TCPC. Collectively these steps form a tool that transforms conventional MR data into more powerful information allowing surgical planning aimed at producing optimal TCPC configurations for successful surgical outcomes.
Viability of weed seeds following manure windrow composting

Introduction of weed seeds is a concern when using animal manure as a nutrient source on croplands. The viability of weed seeds can be reduced through composting. Experiments were conducted in 1996 and 1997 to determine the effects of manure windrow composting on seed viability of eight weed species. Weed seeds were placed in nylon bags and buried at 25 and 75-cm within the composting windrows of dairy manure and beef cattle feedlot manure with or without water addition. After one turning a week later, the seeds of most weed species survived the composting conditions in the dairy cattle manure. Following the four to five month dairy manure composting process, all weed seeds lost viability except for 14% of the velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) seeds. This occurred even though the temperature within the composting dairy manure windrow never reached 60°C, which is considered necessary for weed seed destruction. In the watered beef feedlot manure, all weed seeds lost viability after one turning. However, see...
Cancer Nanomedicines Targeting Tumor Extracellular pH

Tumors have been a highlight in the research of nanomedicine for decades. Despite all the efforts in the decoration of the nano systems, tumor specific targeting is still an issue due to the heterogeneous nature of tumors. Hypoxia is frequently observed in solid tumors. The consequent acidification of tumor extracellular matrices may bring new insight to tumor targeting. In this review, we present the polymeric nano systems that target tumor extracellular pH (pHe).
Oxygen as a limiting factor in phototaxis and in intraclonal spacing of the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima

Phototaxis in Anthopleura elegantissima, a sea anemone symbiotic with zooxanthellae, was investigated with special reference to oxygen as a possible controlling factor. Under high oxygen concentrations in seawater, movement towards light was not observed for symbiotic anamones as it was under normal oxygen concentrations. Both aposymbiotic and symbiotic anemones demonstrated movement towards high oxygen concentrations in seawater. Oxygen is, therefore, implicated as a controlling factor in phototaxis. Under laboratory conditions, increased intraclonal spacing occurred with low oxygen concentrations in seawater. In the field, individuals in symbiotic clones were spaced significantly closer than in aposymbiotic clones. Since intraclonal spacing is controlled by oxygen in the laboratory, spacing may also be affected in the field by oxygen; symbiotic clones may be spaced closer because they have better oxygen availability than do aposymbiotic clones.
Exercise performance after septal myotomy and myectomy in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The effect of left ventriculomyotomy and myectomy on exercise capacity and cardiac function in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has not previously been determined. In this study, 29 patients were evaluated during graded treadmill exercise before and after operation. Postoperatively, 27 of 29 patients reported symptomatic improvement and had greatly reduced left ventricular outflow gradient. Twenty-five of 28 patients (89 percent) attained higher exercise levels after operation, arid this was accompanied by an increase in total body oxygen consumption from 16 to 21 ml/min per kg (P < 0.005). A significant increase in cardiac index during maximal exercise also accompanied this improved exercise performance (5.0 to 5.7 liters/min per m2, P < 0.05). The increase in maximal cardiac index was associated with greater desaturation of mixed venous blood (34 to 24 percent, P < 0.02) in patients with preoperative angina. At a given level of mixed venous oxygen saturation (30 percent), overall mean cardiac index was higher postoperatively (4.6 to 5.2 liters/min per m2, P < 0.05). These results suggest that, although several mechanisms probably contribute to symptomatic improvement after myotomy and myectomy, enhanced cardiac performance plays an important role in the majority of patients.
Treatment of the Si(Li) detector response as a probability density function

Abstract The previous treatment of the Si(Li) detector response function based on forcing the Gaussian photopeak portion to be unity has been modified to make it a probability distribution function (pdf). This fundamentally more sound approach requires integration of all portions of the detector response function. These integrations have been accomplished analytically for the models employed and are given herein. In addition a nonlinear least-squares technique has been developed and is demonstrated for determining the Si(Li) detector response function parameters over a range of energies by using spectra from pure element samples.
R-matrix calculation of integral and differential cross sections for low-energy electron-impact excitations of the N-2 molecule

Low-energy electron-impact excitations of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ molecules are studied using the fixed-bond $R$-matrix method based on state-averaged complete active-space self-consistent-field orbitals. Thirteen target electronic states of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ are included in the model within a valence configuration interaction representation of the target states. Integrated as well as differential cross sections of the $A\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{u}^{+}$, $B\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{g}$, $W\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}^{3}\ensuremath{\Delta}_{u}$, ${B}^{\ensuremath{'}}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{u}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${a}^{\ensuremath{'}}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{u}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, $a\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{g}$, $w\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}^{1}\ensuremath{\Delta}_{u}$, and $C\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{u}$ states are calculated and compared with the previous experimental measurements. These excitations, especially of the higher four states, have not been studied enough theoretically in the previous literature. In general, good agreements are observed both in the integrated and differential cross sections. However, some discrepancies are seen in the integrated cross sections of the ${A}^{3}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{u}^{+}$ and $C\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{u}$ states, especially around a peak structure.
Effect of interwall spacing on heat transfer and pressure drop in a corrugated-wall duct

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the axial distribution of per-facet and per-cycle heat transfer coefficients for turbulent flow in an isothermal, corrugated-wall duct with variable interwall spacing. The investigation was conducted via a mass transfer technique. The focus of the study was on two regions of the duct: the combined thermal-hydraulic entrance region and the periodic, fully developed region. A visualization technique was employed to examine the effect of interwall spacing on the pattern of fluid flow. Pressure drop and heat transfer results were employed to evaluate the thermal performance of the duct.
The role of pyocyanin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Pyocyanin (PCN) is a blue redox-active secondary metabolite that is produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PCN is readily recovered in large quantities in sputum from patients with cystic fibrosis who are infected by P. aeruginosa. Despite in vitro studies demonstrating that PCN interferes with multiple cellular functions, its importance during clinical infection is uncertain. This is partially caused by the difficulty in defining the contribution of PCN among the numerous virulence factors produced by P. aeruginosa during infection. In addition, few cellular pathways that are affected by PCN are known. This review briefly highlights recent advances that might clarify the role of PCN in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis.
Voronoi diagrams with overlapping regions

Voronoi diagrams are a tessellation of the plane based on a given set of points (called Voronoi points) into polygons so that all the points inside a polygon are closest to the Voronoi point in that polygon. All the regions of existing Voronoi diagrams are mutually exclusive. There are numerous applications of Voronoi diagrams for the solution of many optimization problems. In this paper, we define overlapping Voronoi diagrams so that the Voronoi regions do not partition the plane into disjoint regions. Rather, we allow for points to belong to several regions as long as the distance to a Voronoi point does not exceed p % over the shortest distance to all Voronoi points. The concept is illustrated on a case study of delineating overlapping service areas for public universities. We also apply overlapping Voronoi diagrams to solve the problem of the minimum possible p % required to achieve equal load assigned to each facility. Customers (a fraction of all customers residing at a demand point) can be assigned to a facility within p % of the minimum distance. Computational results are presented. This model is the multiplicative model. The additive model replaces p % over the minimum distance with an extra distance Δd and minimizing Δd.
Hemodynamic studies-their uses and limitations

Abstract Hemodynamic studies are useful in the diagnosis of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of pump failure and low output state in patients with acute heart failure. Hemodynamic monitoring is extremely useful for the appropriate manipulation of the vasoactive drugs to optimize hemodynamic and clinical improvement of patients with acute heart failure and to stablize patients with severe refractory or unstable chronic heart failure. Determinations of the hemodynamic indexes of left ventricular function during hemodynamic studies also provide information regarding prognosis of patients with acute or chronic heart failure. In patients with stable chronic heart failure, correlations between the changes in hemodynamics after initiation of vasodilator therapy and subsequent changes in the clinical status and exercise tolerance are poor; thus, the value of hemodynamic studies for vasodilator therapy in patients with stable chronic heart failure is limited.
PERFORATED PLATES AND THE SALADO PHENOMENON

Perforated ceramic plates have intrigued southwestern archaeologists since the late 1800s, when they were first encountered at the Classic period platform-mound sites of the Phoenix Basin and the protohistoric villages of the Hopi Mesas. Residues, contextual clues, and usewear suggest that perforated plates were used as base-molds in pottery making, and/or as potters’ turntables. Updated information regarding the function, dating, and distribution of these objects is presented in this paper. These data, along with the results of recent research in the San Pedro River Valley (including compositional analyses), establish a strong connection between immigrant groups from northern Arizona and the origin and spread of the Salado phenomenon that linked populations in central and southern Arizona, western New Mexico, and northern Sonora and Chihuahua.
Occupational status attainment in Liberia: The roles of achievement and ascription

Abstract Using a subsample of respondents from the 1974 Liberian census, this study examines occupational status attainment in Liberia. The study finds that education is the strongest determinant of occupational status for Americo-Liberians and non-Americo-Liberians, men and women, and never and ever married women. Although the process of occupational status attainment is generally similar for all groups, the status return to education is greater for women than it is for men. While Americo-Liberian women have the highest levels of educational and occupational attainment, women in general are relatively disadvantaged in terms of socioeconomic achievement. The findings also indicate an incipient pattern of occupational sex segregation in Liberia. In an extended model of female attainment, the findings provide minimal support for the human capital theory which implies that never married women would be more like men in their occupational distribution and attainment. The paper explores the implications of these findings.
Three And Four Dimensional Analysis Of Body Form And Function In Automotive Safety Research

DefinitionsSince the terminology of "biostereo-metrics" is not widely known, a fewdefinitions might be helpful:Biostereometrics - -The spatial andspatio- temporal analysis of biologicalform and function based on principlesof analytic geometry.Stereometric -- Pertaining to the spa-tial three -dimensional measurement ofsolid bodies.Photogrammetry - -The science, art andtechnology of obtaining reliable meas-urements and reliable qualitativeinformation through photography.(American Society of Photogrammetry)'This presentation is based on workand ideas of the BiostereometricsLaboratory Research group affiliatedwith the Texas Institute for Rehabili-tation and Research and Baylor Collegeof Medicine, Houston, Texas.