cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristic and Modeling of Human Body Motions for Body Area Network Applications

Many current and future medical devices are wearable and human body is used as a carrier for wireless communication, which implies human body to be a crucial part of the transmission medium in body area networks (BANs). In order to understand the propagation characteristics around human body, the statistical model is derived for communication links in the medical implant communication service band, industrial scientific medical band and ultra-wideband based on the narrowband measurement. The channel model of diffracting components around human body were different from one scenario to another. Moreover, second order statistics, including level crossing rate and fade duration, are presented for each scenario to evaluate the link quality and outage performance for on-body to on-body scenario. Using a network analyzer, Doppler spread spectrum in frequency domain and coherence time in time domain from temporal variations of human body movements are also analyzed from diverse perspectives. Additionally, the shape of Doppler spread spectrum is fitted to describe the relationship of power and frequency. The proposed on-body to on-body channel model for human body motions can be used to better design wireless network protocols for BANs.
Transferrin: a potential source of iron for oxygen free radical-mediated endothelial cell injury.

Abstract The ability of transferrin to potentiate oxygen free radical-mediated endothelial cell injury was assessed. 51 Cr-labeled endothelial cells derived from rat pulmonary arteries (RPAECs) were incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) in the presence and absence of holosaturated human transferrin, and the effect of transferrin on H 2 O 2 -mediated endothelial cell toxicity was determined. Addition of holosaturated transferrin potentiated H 2 O 2 -mediated RPAEC cytotoxicity at concentrations of H 2 O 2 greater than 10 μ m , suggesting that transferrin may provide a source of iron for free radical-mediated endothelial cell injury. Free radical-mediated injury is dependent on non-protein-bound iron. The ability of RPAECs to facilitate the release of iron from transferrin was assessed. We determined that RPAECs facilitate the release of transferrin-derived iron by reduction of transferrinbound ferric iron (Fe 3+ ) to ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ). The reduction and release of transferrin-derived Fe 2+ were inhibited by apotransferrin and chloroquine, indicating a dependence on receptor-specific binding of transferrin to the RPAEC cell surface, with subsequent endocytosis, acidification, and reduction of transferrin-bound Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ . The release of transferrin-derived Fe 2+ was potentiated by diethyldithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD). In contrast, exogenous SOD did not alter iron release, suggesting that intracellular superoxide anion (O 2 − ) may play an important role in mediating the reduction and release of transferrin-derived iron. Results of this study suggest that transferrin may provide a source of iron for oxygen free radical-mediated endothelial cell injury and identify a novel mechanism by which endothelial cells may mediate the reduction and release of transferrin-derived iron.
Rodent Plasmodium: Population Dynamics of Early Sporogony within Anopheles stephensi Mosquitoes

Early sporogony of Plasmodium parasites involves 2 major developmental transitions within the insect vector, i.e., gametocyte-to-ookinete and ookinete-to-oocyst. This study compared the population dynamics of early sporogony among murine rodent Plasmodium (Plasmodium berghei, Plasmodium chabaudi, Plasmodium vinckei, and Plasmodium yoelii) developing within Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. Estimates of absolute densities were determined for gametocytes, ookinetes, and oocysts for 108 experimental infections. Total losses throughout early sporogony were greatest in P. vinckei (ca. 250,000-fold loss), followed by P. yoelii (ca. 70,000-fold loss), P. berghei (ca. 45,000-fold loss), and P. chabaudi (ca. 15,000-fold loss). The gametocyte-to-ookinete transition represented the most severe population bottleneck. Numerical losses during this transition (ca. 3,000- to 30,000-fold, depending on species) were orders of magnitude greater than losses incurred during the ookinete-to-oocyst transition (3- to 14-fold). There were no significant correlations between gametocyte and ookinete densities. Significant correlations between ookinete and oocyst densities existed for P. berghei, P. chabaudi, and P. yoelii (but not for P. vinckei), and were best described by nonlinear functions (P. berghei = sigmoid, P. chabaudi = hyperbolic, P. yoelii = sigmoid), indicating that conversion of ookinetes to oocysts in these species is density dependent. The upper theoretical limit for oocyst density on the mosquito midgut for P. chabaudi and P. yoelii (ca. 300 oocysts per midgut) was higher than for P. berghei (ca. 30 oocysts per midgut). This study provides basic information about population processes that occur during the early sporogonic development of some common laboratory model systems of malaria.
Hydrogen embrittlement behavior of palladium modified PH 13-8 Mo stainless steel as a function of age hardening

The hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility of precipitation age hardened stainless steels (17-4 PH, PH 15-5, PH 13-8 Mo, and others) is well established in the literature. Susceptibility is a strong function of strength and hence lower aging temperatures produce alloys which are more prone to HE. Recently it was shown that uniformly distributed PdAl precipitates improve the HE resistance of a palladium (Pd) modified version of PH 13-8 Mo stainless steel at a yield strength of 1,250 MPa. Intergranular cracking on prior austenite grain boundaries is minimized and transgranular cracking is observed. Trapping analysis of hydrogen permeation data supports the notion that PdAl particles act as beneficial trap sites. However, the effect of PdAl on the HE resistance of higher strength tempers has not been established. Secondly, the influence of dual phase microstructures typical of cast or as-welded PH 13-8 Mo on the PdAl effect has not been investigated. In the present study, the authors examine the influence of Pd on the HE susceptibility of PH 13-8 Mo stainless steel (SS) over a range of strengths levels and also for a dual phase as-welded microstructure. Specifically, the authors compare the HE behavior of conventional wrought PH 13-8 Mo SS tomore » wrought PH 13-8 SS alloyed with 0.4, 0.75 and 1.0 wt. % palladium and similarly alloyed, autogenous electron beam welded PH 13-8 Mo SS. Wrought alloys were examined after aging to yield strengths of nominally 1000, 1140, and 1440 MPa in accordance with the H1100, H1050 and H925 tempers, respectively. The as-welded material was similar in hardness to the wrought H1100 condition.« less
Trypanosome apoptotic factor mediates apoptosis in human brain vascular endothelial cells

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT, sleeping sickness) is a devastating disease caused by infection with Trypanosoma brucei ssp. These hemoflagellates invade the central nervous system (CNS) and induce meningo-encephalitis, neuronal demyelination, blood-brain-barrier (BBB) dysfunction, peri-vascular infiltration, astrocytosis and apoptosis. The molecular basis of these manifestations is unclear. We previously reported T. brucei-induced apoptosis in cerebella and brain-stem nuclei in mice at peak parasitemia. Here, we identify and characterize a trypanosome apoptotic factor (TAF) expressed by T. brucei that mediates apoptosis in mouse-brain and human-brain vascular endothelial cells (HBVEC). Molecular, biochemical and apoptotic assays, coupled with surface enhanced laser desorption ionization (SELDI), and protein database analyses were utilized to show that TAF is a soluble, non-serum, parasite-derived, heat-labile protein that causes DNA laddering and apoptosis in HBVEC. Protein-chip assay analysis of the SELDI spectrum of infected mouse serum and procyclic culture supernatants revealed a single major peak at 8652.7 Da. Further database analysis indicated that the TAF may be a procyclin or procyclin derivative. A synthetic 27 mer peptide (ProEP2-1), corresponding to a region common to EP procyclins (EP2-1), induced apoptosis in HBVEC and in cerebella of mice similar to that induced in T. brucei-infected mice. Western blot analysis utilizing an anti-procyclin monoclonal antibody (mAb) revealed that TAF is present in infected but not uninfected brain tissue lysates. Furthermore, this mAb blocked T. brucei- and ProEP2-1-induced apoptosis in HBVEC in vitro. We conclude that T. brucei TAF or its derivative(s) play a major role in the apoptosis associated with HAT pathology.
A model of op-amp circuits

In stability analysis, op-amp circuits are often modeled as single-loop feedback systems, as shown with a finite open-loop gain A in the forward path and beta in the feedback path. The author proposes a different model that has two feedback loops. The model is useful in stability of op-amp circuits and in determining the oscillation conditions of Wien-bridge oscillators. The model has one positive feedback loop and one negative loop. The model is easy to develop and offers better insight into op-amp circuits than the single-loop model. >
Saccharin and other sweeteners: mutagenic properties

Saccharin preparations commonly distributed as artificial sweeteners exhibited mutagenic activity in bacterial tests. When administered orally to mice, mutagenic activity was demonstrable in the urines of these animals as well as in a host-mediated assay. Highly purified saccharin was not mutagenic in the direct assay, but the urines of mice to which this material had been administered exhibited mutagenic effects on one tester strain (Salmonella typhimurium TA100). Two other sweeteners, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone and xylitol, had no detectable mutagenic activity in any of these assays using his- Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100 or TA98.
Flexible ultrasonic transducers

Flexible ultrasonic transducers (UTs) consisting of a metal foil, a piezoelectric ceramic film, and a top electrode have been developed. The flexibility is realized owing to the porosity of piezoelectric film and the thinness of metal foil. In this paper, the stainless steel (SS), lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT)/PZT composite and silver paste were chosen as metal foil, piezoelectric film, and top electrode materials, respectively. The SS foil serves as both substrate and bottom electrode. The PZT/PZT piezoelectric composite film is made by the sol-gel spray technique. PZT/PZT films of thicknesses from 40 to 70 mum were fabricated onto SS foils. The capability of these flexible sensors operated in the pulse-echo mode for nondestructive testing on flat and curved surfaces of different materials at room temperature and 160degC has been demonstrated. Numerical simulations of the effects of the metal foil thickness on the ultrasonic performance of flexible UTs also were carried out, and the results are in reasonable agreement with experimental data. In addition, a PZT/PZT flexible transducer showed a signal strength comparable with that obtained by a commercial room temperature broad bandwidth transducer
On the zeros of the derivative of a rational function

Abstract Given the location of the zeros and poles of a rational function, we find a region that must contain at least one zero of the derivative. In some cases our results are best possible.
Explaining Adherence to Supplemental Oxygen Therapy: The Patient's Perspective

OBJECTIVES: To describe and explain the patterns of adherence to supplemental oxygen in individuals with hypoxemic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Qualitative study of a case-series of patients with COPD who use supplemental oxygen. SETTING: Denver, Colorado. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling, English speaking individuals with hypoxemic COPD receiving long-term supplemental oxygen therapy. MEASUREMENTS: Forced expiratory lung volume, in liters, at one second (FEV1), the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, Brief Symptom Inventory, semistructured investigator-administered interviews. RESULTS: Respondents from a demographically representative sample with moderate to severe COPD (average age, 69; average FEV1, 1.1) described 3 distinct patterns of adherence to supplemental oxygen therapy: as-needed use, part-time use, and full-time use. For many individuals, the pattern of adherence changed with time and reflected their struggle to optimally manage their health, symptoms, physical function, and social milieu. Adherence to oxygen tended to increase with time and was often associated with significant personal compromises. CONCLUSION: Adhering to oxygen therapy is a complex and difficult task with many barriers, including the physical difficulty of using the oxygen, self-consciousness and a sense of social stigma, lack of perceived benefit, and fear of deleterious side effects from treatment. Improving adherence may involve understanding the process of adapting to oxygen use and addressing the many barriers to therapy.
The effects of motivation, coaching, and knowledge of neuropsychology on the simulated malingering of head injury

Two student groups, introductory psychology (n=91) and advanced neuroscience (n=34) undergraduates, were asked to malinger a head injury on Rey's 15-Item Test (FIT) and Dot Counting Test (DCT). The participants were randomly assigned to one of three motivation conditions (no motivation given, compensation, avoidance of blame for a motor vehicle accident) and to one of three coaching conditions (no coaching, coaching post-concussive symptoms, coaching symptoms plus warning of malingering detection). Analyses revealed a MotivationxStudent Group interaction on the FIT, indicating that the advanced neuroscience students, particularly when in the compensation condition, malingered the most flagrantly. On the DCT, main effects for motivation and coaching on the qualitative variables and a MotivationxCoaching interaction on the accuracy variables indicated that those in the compensation condition performed the most poorly, and that coaching plus warning only tempers malingering on memory tasks, not timed tasks.
The effect of the extent of unionism on union and nonunion wages

This paper provides estimates, derived from micro wage equations, of the effects of unionism on the wages for both union and nonunion labor. These equations control not only for union status, but also include measures of the extent of unionism in product and labor markets. The results suggest,inter alia, that an increase in the extent of unionization in an industry has substantial positive effects on the wages of nonunion as well as union workers. Increases in the extent of union coverage within an occupation, however, have little or no effect on nonunion wages.
944 Preceding Human Metapneumovirus Infection Increases Adherence of Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Severity of Murine Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Co-infections with respiratory virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae have been frequently reported in epidemiologic studies. Here, we explore how inoculating A549 and Hep-2 cell monolayers with human metapneumovirus (hMPV) affected subsequent in vitro infections with pneumococcus serotypes 3 and 14. The different serotypes had variable adherence, but the A549 cells with a preceding hMPV infection had significantly enhanced bacterial adherence. Also, BALB/c mice infected with hMPV had increased adhesion of pneumococcus to the bronchial epithelium. The lungs of mice with a preceding hMPV inoculation had delayed bacterial clearance and exacerbated histopathology after they were infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Additionally, the mice with a preceding hMPV infection had inhibited recruitment of airway neutrophil and decreased expression of neutrophil chemoattractants. Our results suggest that airways infected with hMPV, especially lower airway epithelium, allow increased adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and hMPV-infected mice have impaired recruitment of airway neutrophils that may cause delayed bacterial clearance and exacerbated pulmonary inflammation.
Fate of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, Nonylphenol, and Estrogenic Activity during Managed Infiltration of Wastewater Effluent

About a billion cubic meters of wastewater effluent are artificially recharged annually in the United States for maintenance of groundwater levels and prevention of seawater intrusion. There is concern that trace contaminants, including various endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), are not completely removed during infiltration, leading to deterioration of groundwater quality. In this work, we investigate the mechanisms and efficiency of EDC removal at the Sweetwater Recharge Facility, which is used to recharge secondary effluent from the Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tucson, Ariz. Material was collected from the top meter of sediments in two infiltration basins and analyzed for extractable nonylphenol (NP), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) and total estrogenic activity. The basins differed significantly in length of service (7 versus 15 years). Nevertheless, profiles of extractable contaminants and estrogenic activity were similar in the two basins. Results suggest that hydrophobic deter...
Sequence complexity of polyadenylated RNA in human breast carcinoma cells.

Abstract 1. 1. The sequence complexity of total cellular and polysomal poly(A)-containing RNA in human breast carcinoma cells was estimated to be respectively about 200,000 and 38.000 kilobases based on kinetics of RNA: cDNA hybridization. 2. 2. Prolactin treatment of these cells moderately altered the apparent distribution of polysomal RNA sequences among the frequency classes. 3. 3. Total cellular and polysomal poly(A)-containing RNA corresponded to about 4.8 and 1.6% of the single-copy DNA in these cells, respectively.
Low rank approximation of a set of matrices

In this paper, we present dynamical systems for computing the low rank approximation of a single matrix and of a set of matrices. These dynamical systems arise from solving an optimization problem involving these matrices. The proposed methods are based on applying smooth optimization techniques on smooth manifolds. Many of these systems are then modified to obtain power-like methods for computing a few dominant singular triplets of large matrices simultaneously.
Domains of Acculturation and Their Effects on Substance Use and Sexual Behavior in Recent Hispanic Immigrant Adolescents

This study evaluated the immigrant paradox by ascertaining the effects of multiple components of acculturation on substance use and sexual behavior among recently immigrated Hispanic adolescents primarily from Mexico (35 %) and Cuba (31 %). A sample of 302 adolescents (53 % boys; mean age 14.51 years) from Miami (n = 152) and Los Angeles (n = 150) provided data on Hispanic and US cultural practices, values, and identifications at baseline and provided reports of cigarette use, alcohol use, sexual activity, and unprotected sex approximately 1 year later. Results indicated strong gender differences, with the majority of significant findings emerging for boys. Supporting the immigrant paradox (i.e., that becoming oriented toward US culture is predictive of increased health risks), individualist values predicted greater numbers of oral sex partners and unprotected sex occasions for boys. However, contrary to the immigrant paradox, for boys, both US practices and US identification predicted less heavy drinking, fewer oral and vaginal/anal sex partners, and less unprotected vaginal/anal sex. Ethnic identity (identification with one’s heritage culture) predicted greater numbers of sexual partners but negatively predicted unprotected sex. Results indicate a need for multidimensional, multi-domain models of acculturation and suggest that more work is needed to determine the most effective ways to culturally inform prevention programs.
A 4π liquid-scintillation whole-body counter—I. Design, operating characteristics, and calibration☆

Abstract A 4π large volume liquid-scintillation counter composed of two 2π detector tanks is described. This counter is used primarily for measuring 40 K activity in human beings and large animals.
Development and interpretation of a multi-axial tension test for geotextiles

Abstract This article presents a new large-diameter experimental device capable of applying multi-axial, out-of-plane loading to relatively large geosynthetic specimens (48 cm diameter). Although similar in concept to the types of apparatuses typically used for the established Multi-Axial Tension Test for Geosynthetics , this newly developed device is unique in that load is directly applied to the circular specimen using a rubber membrane, thus allowing pervious materials such as geotextiles to be tested. A key advantage of the device is that it mimics the in-service loading conditions of geosynthetics used in a range of design applications including the spanning of voids and pile supported embankments. Equations are presented to interpret the experimental data, with consideration of the presence of the bladder. Typical experimental results are presented along with a description of the failure process of select geotextile materials under multi-axial load.
Method to resolve microphone and sample location errors in the two-microphone duct measurement method

Utilizing the two-microphone impedance tube method, the normal incidence acoustic absorption and acoustic impedance can be measured for a given sample. This method relies on the measured transfer function between two microphones, and the knowledge of their precise location relative to each other and the sample material. In this article, a method is proposed to accurately determine these locations. A third sensor is added at the end of the tube to simplify the measurement. First, a justification and investigation of the method is presented. Second, reference terminations are measured to evaluate the accuracy of the apparatus. Finally, comparisons are made between the new method and current methods for determining these distances and the variations are discussed. From this, conclusions are drawn with regards to the applicability and need for the new method and under which circumstances it is applicable. Results show that the method provides a reliable determination of both microphone locations, which is not...
Improved bounds for vehicle routing solutions

We present lower bounds for the vehicle routing problem (VRP) with and without split deliveries, improving the well known bound of Haimovich and Rinnooy Kan. These bounds are then utilized in a design of best-to-date approximation algorithms.
Child sexual abuse: evaluation and treatment.

Child sexual abuse and its disturbingly high prevalence have received increased attention during the past 2 decades, but the availability of adequate training and support services for this complex problem remain deficient. The identification of victims and early, effective intervention are necessary goals. This review provides a brief summary on the subject of child sexual abuse with an emphasis on recent progress in optimal evaluation. Language: en
On the chromospheric structure of Zeta Aurigae

The chromospheric structure of Zeta Aur is analyzed on the basis of both optical and UV data. Column densities of matter along different lines of sight through the chromosphere are measured by using both Ly-alpha wings and many lines of ionized metals, and they agree to within the errors of measurement. The chromosphere is seen to extend at least one stellar radius above the K4-5 Ib-11 supergiant's surface. Excitation temperature increases with height and attains values in the range 6500-12,000 K over much of the chromosphere. Turbulence of the gas is near 20 km/s, and may increase with height. Support of the chromosphere by magnetic fields is discussed, and this is found to predict a high degree of clumping of the gas.
Simulation of the Effects of Q-Band Amplifier Nonlinearities on Non-Constant Envelope SATCOM Waveforms

Due to their higher spectral efficiency, non-constant envelope modulation RF waveforms are becoming more important in a variety of communication systems. For this reason, a series of non-constant waveforms (BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, and 12/4 QAM) have been evaluated for use in future satellite systems. Some prior satellite communications systems relied on constant envelope waveforms, such as Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK). The solid state power amplifiers (SSPA) for these systems were designed with those waveforms in mind. It is of interest to determine how these amplifiers will perform with the non-constant envelope waveforms in order to evaluate their usable output power capability. A model of a Q-Band SSPA, based on AM-AM and AM-PM measurements, was incorporated in an Agilent Advanced Design System (ADS) Ptolemy simulation. The effects of the power amplifier nonlinearities on error vector magnitude (EVM), spectral re-growth, adjacent channel interference (ACI) and chip error rate (CER) throughput performance were evaluated. Of particular interest was the amount of spectral re-growth and ACI as a function of output power back-off of the SSPA from full power.
Characterization of the Precursor of Prostate-specific Antigen ACTIVATION BY TRYPSIN AND BY HUMAN GLANDULAR KALLIKREIN

Abstract The precursor or zymogen form of prostate-specific antigen (pro-PSA) is composed of 244 amino acid residues including an amino-terminal propiece of 7 amino acids. Recombinant pro-PSA was expressed in Escherichia coli, isolated from inclusion bodies, refolded, and purified. The zymogen was readily activated by trypsin at a weight ratio of 50:1 to generate PSA, a serine protease that cleaves the chromogenic chymotrypsin substrate 3-carbomethoxypropionyl-l-arginyl-l-prolyl-l-tyrosine-p-nitroaniline-HCl (S-2586). In this activation, the amino-terminal propiece Ala-Pro-Leu-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg was released by cleavage at the Arg-Ile peptide bond. The recombinant pro-PSA was also activated by recombinant human glandular kallikrein, another prostate-specific serine protease, as well as by a partially purified protease(s) from seminal plasma. The recombinant PSA was inhibited by α1-antichymotrypsin, forming an equimolar complex with a molecular mass of approximately 100 kDa. The recombinant PSA failed to activate single chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator, in contrast to the recombinant hK2, which readily activated single chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator. These results indicate that pro-PSA is converted to an active serine protease by minor proteolysis analogous to the activation of many of the proteases present in blood, pancreas, and other tissues. Furthermore, PSA is probably generated by a cascade system involving a series of precursor proteins. These proteins may interact in a stepwise manner similar to the generation of plasmin during fibrinolysis or thrombin during blood coagulation.
Psychological adjustment of family caregivers of children who have severe neurodisabilities that require chronic respiratory management.

DAlthough much is known about the risks tohealth and well-being that occur amongfamily caregivers of children with disabil-ity, little is known about the unique groupof caregivers of children with severe neuro-disabilities who require varying degrees ofrespiratory care including ventilator sup-port. This present study examined the psy-chological adjustment of caregivers in thesesituations, and tested the prediction thatcaregiver coping and problem-solving styleswould be predictive of their physical andemotional health. Hierarchical regressionanalyses revealed that demographic charac-teristics and the severity of pulmonary condi-tion were unrelated to caregiver adjustment.A coping style characterized by developingrelationships, pursuing activities that pro-mote self-worth and individuality, and alower negative orientation toward solvingproblemsweresigniÞcantlypredictiveofcare-giver distress. These data indicate that care-giver adjustment in these situations is insu-enced by cognitiveÐbehavioral characteristicsthat could be addressed in educational andtherapeutic programs provided in the clinicand in the community.Keywords: children, neurodisabilities, fam-ily caregivers, chronic respiratory manage-ment, depression
Perceived family climate, psychological adjustment, and peer relationship of Black adolescents: A function of parental marital status or perceived family conflict?

This study examined two contrasting views of divorce and its effect on the adjustment of children. The physical wholeness position maintains that divorce itself is the salient variable that adversely affects children via the physical dissolution of the family; while the psychological wholeness position maintains that conflict is the critical variable which influences adjustment and does so regardless of parental marital status. Results of analyses on a sample of black working lower class adolescents failed to support the physical wholeness position; adolescents' age at the time of parental divorce, gender, and parental marital status were not significantly related to perception of family climate, psychological adjustment, grade point average, or peer relationships. However, results did provide strong support for the psychological wholeness position since adolescents' perception of family climate, psychological adjustment, and peer relationships were all significantly related to level of perceived conflict in the family. Conceptualizing divorce as a crisis situation rather than as a uniformly and universally negative event appears more reasonable since adolescents in our sample adapted to, and coped with, divorce. Use of conflict identification and resolution interventions to reduce family conflict may prevent future problems in child development.
Biofeedback/relaxation training and exercise interventions for fibromyalgia: a prospective trial

Objective. To compare the effectiveness of biofeedback/relaxation, exercise, and a combined program for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Methods. Subjects (n = 119) were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups: 1) biofeedback/relaxation training, 2) exercise training, 3) a combination treatment, or 4) an educational/attention control program. Results. All 3 treatment groups produced improvements in self-efficacy for function relative to the control condition. In addition, all treatment groups were significantly different from the control group on tender point index scores, reflecting a modest deterioration by the attention control group rather than improvements by the treatment groups. The exercise and combination groups also resulted in modest improvements on a physical activity measure. The combination group best maintained benefits across the 2-year period. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that these 3 treatment interventions result in improved self-efficacy for physical function which was best maintained by the combination group.
Treatment and outcome of infants with acute myeloid leukemia.

We read with interest the article reporting the results of the Japan Infant Leukemia Study Group treatment of infants with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on the ANLL91 protocol. The event-free survival reported for their patients treated with intensive chemotherapy is quite impressive.[1][1] The
The Effect of Time Use in Explaining Male–Female Productivity Differences Among Economists

This study examines the opportunity cost of non-research responsibilities on research output. Using a sample of early career faculty members who received their Ph.D. in economics, we consider the effect of two dimensions of time use on research output: (1) time allocation, or how time is divided between research and other duties and (2) time concentration, or how research time is distributed during the academic year relative to summer months. This second dimension has not been used in prior studies on research productivity; however, the inherent delays in the publication process as well as start-up costs may imply that concentrating research time exclusively in the summer months reduces research output. We find that both dimensions of time use are significant predictors of peer-reviewed publications and that time concentration is a significant predictor of submissions. We find gender differences in both dimensions of time use, which are attributable to gender differences in employment at research institutions and on-going childcare responsibilities.
Transient expression of calbindin-D28k immunoreactivity in layer V pyramidal neurons during postnatal development of kitten cortical areas

Calbindin-D28k is a 28 kDa calcium binding protein that has been shown to colocalize with a specific subpopulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibitory interneurons in mammalian neocortex. We have examined the ontogeny of calbindin in neonatal kitten cortex in areas 17,18,19,7, medial and lateral suprasylvian visual areas, splenial visual area and cingulate cortex from the day of birth (P0) through maturation of the brain (P101). Transient staining of immature layer V pyramidal cells was seen in kittens six weeks old and younger. This transient staining of pyramidal cells was most intense and the stained neurons were most numerous in cingulate cortex. Apical dendrites of pyramidal cells in cingulate cortex were prominently stained and could be followed to layer I, where they were seen to branch extensively. There were very few calbindin immunoreactive pyramidal cells in primary cortical areas postnatally. Transient staining in extrastriate visual cortical areas disappeared first from the lateral suprasylvian areas, and persisted longest in area 7. Pyramidal neurons in the cingulate gyrus expressed calbindin longest, but calbindin expression by pyramidal neurons ceased by the sixth postnatal week in all areas of the brain.
On selecting a maximum volume sub-matrix of a matrix and related problems

Given a matrix [email protected]?R^m^x^n (n vectors in m dimensions), we consider the problem of selecting a subset of its columns such that its elements are as linearly independent as possible. This notion turned out to be important in low-rank approximations to matrices and rank revealing QR factorizations which have been investigated in the linear algebra community and can be quantified in a few different ways. In this paper, from a complexity theoretic point of view, we propose four related problems in which we try to find a sub-matrix [email protected]?R^m^x^k of a given matrix [email protected]?R^m^x^n such that (i) @s"m"a"x(C) (the largest singular value of C) is minimum, (ii) @s"m"i"n(C) (the smallest singular value of C) is maximum, (iii) @k(C)[email protected]"m"a"x(C)/@s"m"i"n(C) (the condition number of C) is minimum, and (iv) the volume of the parallelepiped defined by the column vectors of C is maximum. We establish the NP-hardness of these problems and further show that they do not admit PTAS. We then study a natural Greedy heuristic for the maximum volume problem and show that it has approximation ratio 2^-^O^(^k^l^o^g^k^). Our analysis of the Greedy heuristic is tight to within a logarithmic factor in the exponent, which we show by explicitly constructing an instance for which the Greedy heuristic is 2^-^@W^(^k^) from optimal. When A has unit norm columns, a related problem is to select the maximum number of vectors with a given volume. We show that if the optimal solution selects k columns, then Greedy will select @W(k/logk) columns, providing a logk approximation.
Integration of micromirror and mixed-signal ICs for optical information processing

The Texas Instruments flexure beam micromirror represents one of the most promising structures for production because of its reproducibility, which results from its symmetrical supporting structure. Flexure beam micromirrors modulate light in phase with a piston-flap motion that changes the length of the optical path. The device allows us to perform analog phase modulation by balancing spring and electrostatic forces. To fully use the analog phase capability, we need a mixed-signal circuit to drive it, but fortunately, micro-mirror technology is compatible with IC processes. Texas Instruments owns not only this unique micromirror design, but also a world-class mixed-signal production line. The main issue in production is maintaining the hinge strength to overcome stress caused by nonuniformity while staying within the range of analog CMOS driver compliance restrictions.
Nonlinear saturation of the ion-acoustic instability

A nonlinear theory is presented for the saturation of the current-driven ion-acoustic instability. The saturation mechanism is the modification of ion orbits by finite-amplitude waves, leading to ion trapping. The results are quantitatively compared with recent computer simulations of Biskamp and Chodura, and experiments of Hamberger and Jancarik.
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes coated by multi-layer silica for improving thermal conductivity of polymer composites

Silica has been non-covalently coated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using the sol–gel chemistry, where tetraethoxy silane (TEOS) was used to form an inorganic silica layer immediately next to surface of MWCNTs and octyl triethoxy silane was coated over the TEOS. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements show that the diameter of MWCNTs increases with increasing the number of coating layer, indicating that the silica has been coated on MWCNTs. Quantitative analysis from thermogravimetric analysis (TG) also indicates that the inorganic and organic silica has been successfully coated on MWCNTs. Further, quantitative analysis found that the amount of silica measured by TG agrees well with the increase of thickness of coated MWCNTs obtained from TEM, indicating that little or no free silica exists in the system. The thermal conductivity of epoxy/MWCNTs composite was studied and the results show that the thermal conductivity of the composite is improved by coating MWCNTs in this manner and increases with increasing the number of coatings.
SCORERECALL: A Pascal program which scores protocols from multiple free-recall trials

For a number of research paradigms in human learning, researchers ask that participants identify in free recall the stimuli previously presented. For some paradigms, such as those investigating hyperamnesia, participants may be asked to recall 40 or more items on multiple recall trials. The labels for the stimuli can differ from participant to participant as well as from trial to trial for anyone participant. Scoring such protocols is a time-eonsuming, tedious, error-prone, boring task. After the protocols are scored, the results generally are entered on a computerreadable medium for statistical analysis. The Program. SCORERECALL scores recall protocols and provides an output file which can be used as the input file of another program (an SPSSx program for example). Tables 1 through 6 document a short example showing the use of this program. SCORERECALL uses as input two Pascal text files which can be created by clerical personnel with minimal training. The Thesaurus file contains the alternatives to be scored as correct responses for each stimulus itemthe alternatives for a stimulus are entered on one line and are separated by at least one blank. The Thesaurus file in Table 1 lists one to four correct responses for each of five stimulus items. As can be seen, it does not matter whether the alternatives are entered in upper or lower case; the number of leading and trailing spaces also is unimportant. The number of items, the number of alternatives per item, and the maximum length (number of characters) of each alternative are declared as global constants at the beginning of the program. In this example, SCORERECALL was compiled for five stimulus items, a maximum of three alternatives per stimulus item, and a maximum of 10 characters per alternative. In the example, the alternative "sailplane" for Item 1 is ignored because it is a fourth alternative and only three are permitted by this compilation. The other input file, the Dataln file, contains the responses of every participant on every recall trial. Each protocol begins with a record containing only a sentinel character that is declared as a global constant. An asterisk is used for the example in Table 2. The second record is the identification code of that protocol. This code is
Postoperative spinal epidural hematoma at a site distant from the main surgical procedure: a case report and review of the literature.

Abstract Background Context Postoperative spinal epidural hematomas are known complications of spinal surgery. However, to our knowledge, there are no known cases of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma that occurred distant from the portion of the procedure that breached the spinal canal. Purpose To report a case and review the literature on the development of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma at a site distant from the portion of the surgical procedure that breached the spinal canal. Study Design Case report and review of the literature. Methods One patient at our institution developed a hematoma at a site distant from the surgical procedure that breached the spinal canal. We retrospectively reviewed the patient's clinical charts, radiographs, and computed tomography scans. Results A 57-year-old woman with adult scoliosis and junctional kyphosis underwent a pedicle subtraction osteotomy and long spinal fusion from T3 to the sacrum. Three hours postoperatively, she developed paraplegia with a neurologic deficit at a level distant from the site at which the spinal canal was surgically breached. A computed tomography myelogram revealed a spinal epidural hematoma that was causing compression of the spinal cord in the upper thoracic spine. The patient was returned to the operating room emergently and underwent laminectomy and hematoma evacuation. She had near-complete recovery 5 months after surgery. Conclusion Spinal epidural hematomas are rare but dangerous complications that can result in severe neurologic deficits. A neurologic examination should always be conducted in the operating room immediately after surgery; if it is abnormal, spinal epidural hematoma should be suspected. If the examination indicates a deficit at a site distant from the original surgery, then diagnostic reimaging (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography myelogram) is indicated.
The lecturer's assistant

For many centuries the chalkboard has been the primary means of communication in the classroom, recently augmented by the overhead projector. These media provide one-way communication: from the lecturer to the students. We describe a prototype system, called the Lecturer's Assistant, which as its main feature enables graphic communication from the students to the lecturer and other students. This capability allows students to easily ask questions or present ideas without leaving their seats. The Lecturer's Assistant also provides the lecturer with a complete electronic environment for the preparation, presentation, and subsequent editing of classroom overheads. The system is designed to be portable and inexpensive to enable widespread usage in the nation's university classrooms.
Recalibrating Sovereignty-Related Norms: Europe, Asia and Non-Traditional Security Challenges

Abstract This paper investigates how to address non-traditional security (NTS) challenges where the principal concern is to safeguard individuals. Since unilateral action cannot effectively deal with piracy, terrorism, cross-border conflicts, etc, there is a need for multilateral responses. Yet, time and again, the insistence on non-interference in the domestic affairs of countries has proven a major obstacle. European Union members, conceptualizing sovereignty in terms of ‘constitutional independence’, have made some progress addressing these challenges. Although, recently, some progress has also been made in Asia Pacific, there sovereignty often is still being used as a semantic weapon. Since states not only have rights but obligations, I argue, there is a need for a careful recalibration of sovereignty-related norms that stand in the way of improved human rights. Focusing on a specific issue area within NTS challenges, the Responsibility to Protect, I illustrate how a recalibration of sovereignty-relat...
Studies of respiratory physiology in the newborn infant. II. Observations during and after respiratory distress.

An invitation to participate in this publication honoring Professor Wallgren confers no small distinction on any American pediatrician. It also imposes a high standard of scientific scholarship upon those so invited. The Harvard group working with newborn infants are more hopeful of meeting that standard because of the recent presence of one of Dr. Wallgren's own staff in our laboratory, a happy circumstance which has considerably increased the information we can contribute to this publication. Although we are submitting only a preliminary report of studies now in progress, the opportunity of presenting the data here was too tempting to be resisted by this international team of admirers of Professor Wallgren, C. A. S.
Assisted labeling techniques for the human brain cortex

With the improvements in techniques for generating surface models from magnetic resonance (MR) images, it has recently become feasible to study the morphological characteristics of the human brain cortex in vivo. Studies of the entire surface are important for measuring global features, but analysis of specific cortical regions of interest provides a more detailed understanding of structure. We have previously developed a method for automatically segmenting regions of interest from the cortical surface using a watershed transform. Each segmented region corresponds to a cortical sulcus and is thus termed a sulcal region. In this work, we describe three important augmentations of this methodology. First, we describe a user interface that allows for the efficient labeling of the segmented sulcal regions called the Interactive Program for Sulcal Labeling (IPSL). Two additional augmentations of the methodology allow for even finer division of regions on the cortex. Both employ the fast marching technique to track curves of interest on the cortical surface. These curves are then used to separate segmented regions. Validation experiments indicate that the proposed methodology gives highly repeatable results.
Better late than never: how congestive heart failure patients die.

While you do not know life, how can you know about death? Confucius 551–479 BC The Confucian Analects bk 11:11
Novel Geometrical Approach to Designing Flow Channels

Many natural systems that transport heat, energy or fluid from a distributed volume to a single flow channel exhibit an analogous appearance to trees (examples include bronchial tubes, watersheds, lightening, and blood vessels). Several authors have proceeded with analytical methods to develop fractal or pseudo-fractal designs analogous to these natural instances. This implicates an implicit belief in some designers that there is an optimal attribute to this ‘tree-like’ appearance. A novel explanation for the appearance of these systems is presented in this paper. Natural systems follow the path of least resistance; or in other words, minimize transport effort. Effort is required to overcome all forms of friction (an unavoidable consequence of motion). Therefore effort minimization is analogous to transport distance (path length) minimization. Effort due to friction will be integrated over the total transport distance. Leveraging this observation a simple, geometric explanation for the emergent ‘tree-like’ architecture of many natural systems is now achievable. Note that this ‘tree’ effect occurs when most of the flow volume exhibits diffusion, with a small percentage of interdigitated high flow velocity channels. One notable application of our novel method, path length analysis, is the automated creation of cooling channel networks for heat generating micro-chips. As a demonstration, this path length analysis method was used to develop a significantly more efficient channel configuration (by 14%) than the state of the art for conductive microchip cooling. An extensive array of finite element models confirms the performance of this novel configuration.