cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rural Poverty: Research and Policy for U.S. Families

The depth and breadth of rural poverty in the United States have been recognized but misunderstood and neglected for as long as poverty statistics have been collected. Over 50 years ago a government commission on The People Left Behind examined issues of the severity of rural poverty and issued recommendations for actions to counter it. Yet, half a century later many of the problems remain, and the policies for addressing them are still relevant but unrealized. In the current time of social and political polarization that appears to partly reflect a rural and urban divide, there has been new attention to the causes and consequences of economic distress among rural families and communities. However, the issues remain under-examined and relatively obscure for scholars, policy makers, and the public. This chapter examines the depth, extent, forms, and locations of rural poverty; its social and geographic diversity; its causes and correlates; reasons for neglect; and obstacles to designing policies and programs to address rural poverty and economic distress. The chapter concludes with suggestions for moving a rural poverty research and policy agenda forward.
Quantification of opioid prescription practice changes due to hydrocodone combination product rescheduling in an academic pain clinic.

Purpose: To determine the effect of rescheduling on prescription practices in a large academic hospital-based multidisciplinary practice comprising anesthesiologist-trained pain physicians. Patients and Methods: We examined the number of HCP prescriptions written and quantity of tablets prescribed during a 6-month period prior to rescheduling and compared this with a 6-month period 1 year after rescheduling. We also examined the changes in prescription of tramadol and acetaminophen with codeine from one period to the next. Results: Our pain clinic conducted 3,320 office visits during the 6-month period prior to HCP rescheduling and 6,003 office visits in the 6-month period 1 year after rescheduling. The charted data from each of these visits were used for our analysis. The mean number of tablets of HCPs prescribed per patient decreased from 318.48 in the pre-period to 242.27 tablets in the post-period, while the mean number of HCP prescriptions per patient decreased from 2.24 to 1.84. The mean number of acetaminophen with codeine tablets prescribed per patient increased from 3.46 to 15.27 in the pre- and post-period. Similarly, the mean number of tramadol tablets per patient increased from 47.33 to 61.97 in the pre- and post-period. The mean number of acetaminophen with codeine and tramadol prescriptions per patient increased from 0.02 to 0.15 and 0.38 to 0.51 in the pre- and post-period, respectively. In the 6-month post-period, fewer new patients were started on opioids compared to the 6-month pre-period, 16% and 27%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed a significant decrease in the mean number of HCP prescriptions written per patient, as well as a decrease in the mean number of HCP tablets prescribed. Pain physicians in our clinic increased the number of prescriptions for the non-HCPs. The number of acetaminophen with codeine and tramadol tablets prescribed significantly increased. Therefore, the rescheduling of HCPs has profoundly impacted practices within this academic pain clinic.
Sexual and Gender Minority Marginalization in Military Contexts

This chapter details the current literature base on the victimization of active-duty service members and veterans who are sexual and gender minority individuals. Limited research exists examining the behavioral health experiences of sexual and gender minorities (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people) as they relate to various social institutions. In particular, the experiences of these minority groups are not well understood in the context of active-duty military service. To begin the chapter, a historical description of policies and practices has been the backdrop to disparities faced by sexual and gender minorities serving in the US military. Then, empirical research is reviewed in order to elucidate the violent victimization experiences of these service members. Additionally, literature regarding other documented forms of social marginalization is reviewed. Specifically, the impact of social marginalization on individual and community functioning is detailed. Furthermore, sexual and gender minority service members’ achievements are highlighted, which demonstrate this group’s resilience in the face of exclusionary policies and systemic marginalization. To end, brief recommendations are offered for future research to improve understanding of these service members’ experiences and needs. Recommendations for how organizational settings may promote safety and an affirmative environment for sexual and gender minority service members are given as well.
Epilepsy Is Heterogeneous in Early-Life Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

Abstract Background Epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) typically presents with early onset, multiple seizure types, and intractability. However, variability is observed among individuals. Here, detailed individual data on seizure characteristics collected prospectively during early life were used to define epilepsy profiles in this population. Methods Children aged zero to 36 months were followed longitudinally. Caregivers kept daily seizure diaries, including onset and daily counts for each seizure type. Patients with >70% seizure diary completion and >365 diary days were included. Developmental outcomes at 36 months were compared between subgroups. Results Epilepsy was seen in 124 of 156 (79%) participants. Seizure onset occurred from zero to 29.5 months; 93% had onset before age 12 months. Focal seizures and epileptic spasms were most common. Number of seizures (for median 897 days) ranged from 1 to 9128. Hierarchical clustering based on six metrics of seizure burden (age of onset, total seizures, ratio of seizure days to nonseizure days, seizures per seizure day, and worst seven- and 30-day stretches) revealed two distinct groups with broadly favorable and unfavorable epilepsy profiles. Subpopulations within each group showed clinically meaningful differences in seizure burden. Groups with higher seizure burden had worse developmental outcomes at 36 months. Conclusions Although epilepsy is highly prevalent in TSC, not all young children with TSC have the same epilepsy profile. At least two phenotypic subpopulations are discernible based on seizure burden. Early and aggressive treatments for epilepsy in TSC may be best leveraged by targeting specific subgroups based on phenotype severity.
Leibliche Existenz und die Vision des Mind-Uploading

Beim Konzept des Mind-Uploading handelt es sich im Kern um die transhumanistische Vision, durch Technik den Tod zu uberwinden. In diesem Beitrag gehe ich im Wesentlichen der Frage nach, welche Theorie des Bewusstseins bzw. welches Verhaltnis von Geist und Korper im Mind-Uploading vorausgesetzt werden. Ich werde dafur argumentieren, dass das zugrunde gelegte Verstandnis des menschlichen Geistes problematisch ist, weil die Rolle des Eingebettetseins in einen lebendigen Korper unterschatzt wird. Mind-Uploading arbeitet mit einem stark verkurzten Begriff des Geistes, der den komplexen Bezugen zu den biologischen, psychischen und sozialen Dimensionen unserer Existenz nicht gerecht wird. The concept of mind-uploading is essentially the transhumanist vision of overcoming death through technology. In this paper, I will explore what mind-uploading presupposes in terms of theories of consciousness and the relationship between mind and body. I argue that the underlying understanding of the human mind is problematic because it underestimates the significance of being embedded in a living body. Mind-uploading works with a very truncated notion of mind that fails to do justice to the complex relationships between mind and the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of our existence.
Role of Interventional Pulmonology in Miscellaneous Conditions

Clinical role of bronchoscopy in everyday care of patients suffering from lung diseases is rapidly expanding. There is interest in providing minimally invasive bronchoscopic therapies as an alternative to more invasive procedures for a variety of lung diseases. Several studies have shown important contribution of bronchoscopy in diagnosis and management of conditions such as broncholithiasis, bronchogenic cysts, lung abscess, and bronchial carcinoids. The current status of bronchoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of these conditions is discussed. The goal of bronchoscopy in these conditions is not to replace traditional surgical approaches, but to provide a less invasive and more cost-effective adjunct or alternative to some highly selected patients deemed suitable for bronchoscopic therapies. The main paradigm shift in these entities is involvement of interventional pulmonologist, thoracic surgeons, and interventional radiologists from the outset. Many conditions discussed here are uncommon, and shared decision-making offers the best chance for favorable patient outcomes.
Defensive Ecological Adaptive Cruise Control Considering Neighboring Vehicles’ Blind-Spot Zones

This paper proposes a defensive ecological adaptive cruise control (DEco-ACC) algorithm that is capable of reducing an ego vehicle’s dwelling time in the blind spot zones (BSZs) of its neighboring vehicles. To this end, a model predictive control is applied in the use of information such as speed, position, and blind spot zones about preceding and neighboring vehicles. The cost function of the DEco-ACC consists of tracking performance, control effort, and dwelling time in BSZs. Specifically, a continuous and one-time differentiable penalty function is introduced to handle the constraints regarding the BSZs. For optimizing and evaluating the performance of the proposed DEco-ACC, real-world traffic data from Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) are used to analyze and generate car-following scenarios during highway driving. Especially, in consideration of the most probable case that one neighboring vehicle exists at one adjacent lane, a parametric study is conducted to investigate the impact of the weighting factors on the performance of the DEco-ACC. The simulation results from 100 cases demonstrate that on average, the DEco-ACC with optimized weighting factors can reduce the dwelling time in the neighboring vehicles’ BSZs by 46.3% without significant deterioration of fuel consumption (0.04% increase in average fuel consumption) and drivability, as compared to the Eco-ACC, whose primary objective is the minimization of fuel consumption during safe car-following.
Tribologie im Computer

Computer sind als „programmierbare Rechengerate“ heute von zentraler Bedeutung fur die Informationsverarbeitung und Informationsdarstellung in Wissenschaft, Technik, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft. Die Funktion von Computern basiert auf dem Zusammenwirken geeigneter Programme (Software) und geratetechnischer „Hardware“. Die Speicher-Festplattenlaufwerke bilden mit dem stationaren Schreib/Lesekopf und dem rotierenden, magnetischen Speichermedium ein tribologisches System mit interacting surfaces in relative motion. Die Tribologie in Festplattenlaufwerken ist damit grundlegend wichtig fur die Funktionalitat und die Leistungsfahigkeit von Computern. Es werden die Prinzipien der magnetischen Datenspeicherung und die Nano-Interface-Tribologie in Computer-Festplattenlaufwerken dargestellt.
A Review of: The Detection of Human Remains

A number of well-publicized buried body cases (Cummins Prison Farm in Arkansas-1968; Texas Homosexual Murders of Dean Cor11-1973; and the John Wayne Gacy bodies under the house in Des Plains, Illinois-1978) have pointed to the need for organized efforts in fending and excavating buried human remains. Burial recovery should not be relegated to convicts or other untrained personnel but should be conducted scientifically by the forensic science team. The forensic anthropologist/archaeologist is a key member of this team. This is a theme of Edward W. Killam's reference book, The Detection of Human Remains, which provides a summary of the problems involved in the detection of buried bodies and describes the techniques which can be utilized for their recovery.
A Review of “Global TV: New Media and the Cold War, 1946–69”

Given the scholarship devoted to Cold War international radio broadcasting, especially by the Western powers, it is surprising that television, as a Cold War medium, has received much less attentio...
Impact of Perceived Website Service Quality on Customer E-Loyalty on a Lodging Website.

Customer loyalty on websites, e-loyalty, is reflected on customer behavior, regardless of online or offline business. Specifically, it is believed that customer loyalty on a website is strongly associated with website service quality. This study rigorously reviewed previously reported research in the website service quality dimensions and attempted to integrate these dimensions under three major categories. Then, the associations between website service quality dimensions and their consequences were examined. In an attempt to investigate the different perceptions of website service quality dimensions upon age groups, results revealed that no significant differences in the perception of website service quality dimensions existed among four age groups - Seniors, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Yers. This implied that regardless of age differences, people perceived the dimensions of website service quality in the same way. Results of the study also indicated that website service quality, identified as FUNC, CE and REP dimensions, was directly associated with customer perceived service quality of a lodging website. Customer perceived service quality directly affected overall customer satisfaction and customer return intention to the website. Ultimately, customer return intention affected customer loyalty on a lodging website. Accordingly, eight hypotheses established the associations among website service quality dimensions to perceived service quality (PSQ), from PSQ to overall customer satisfaction (OCS), from OCS to return intention (RI), and from RI to customer loyalty (CL). In summary, findings of this study provided evidence that website service quality dimensions were directly associated with customer perceived service quality of a lodging website. Also, the findings showed important implications to ensure quality services of a lodging website to capture customers' perceived service quality that may evolve to customer loyalty through return intention. These findings may assist hospitality management to establish and implement customer-oriented marketing strategies to increase customer perceived service quality on a website, which will enhance their return intentions and customer loyalty. Hospitality management should put extensive efforts to determine what practices of a lodging website will be useful for customers to make them return to the website. Based upon these findings, it is believed that hospitality management can design its website to accommodate its customers' expectations.
Constitutive signaling through Myd88 contributes to tumor-derived CCL2 expression and nuclear translocation of NFkB p65, p52, Fos and ATF2 (TUM7P.923)

Previous data in our lab suggested that there may be constitutive signaling through the Myd88 signaling cascade in murine mammary carcinoma. Here we extend these findings by showing that the myddosome complex is preformed in the tumor cells. Using co-immunoprecipitation we found Myd88 associated with IRAK2 and IRAK4. After screening many different products of the TLR signaling cascade we found that the most clear consequence of this Myd88 signaling in the tumor cells was expression of CCL2. Targeting Myd88 expression using RNA interference, or function using an inhibitory peptide, resulted in reduced CCL2 expression in a dose dependent manner. Coinciding with Myd88 dependent expression of CCL2 we also detected presence of the CCL2 transcriptional factors NFkB p65, p52, Fos and ATF2 in the nucleus of the tumor cells, and the levels of these proteins in the nucleus decreased upon treatment with the Myd88 inhibitory peptide. Targeting Myd88 using the inhibitory peptide, constitutive shRNA expression, or tetracycline inducible shRNA expression also resulted in a reduced tumor growth rate in vitro. Despite this we found limited therapeutic potential of targeting Myd88 in vivo using the inhibitory peptide alone. Collectively, these data imply that constitutive Myd88 signaling contributes to tumor-derived CCL2 expression, and suggests that alternative mechanisms to target Myd88 in vivo warrants investigation.
VIBRATIONAL SPECTRA OF (t-C4H9 6Li)4 AND (t-C4H9 7Li)4: Raman Intensities and the Question of Li-Li Bonding

Abstract Raman frequencies and intensities in methylcyclohexane solution and infrared frequencies in Nujol mull, have been obtained and assigned for the skeletal modes of (t-C4H9 6Li)4 and (t-C4H9 7Li)4. A normal coordinate analysis, neglecting hydrogen atoms, gave an overall frequency fit of 2% with a reasonable set of valence force constants. The calculated eigenvectors were used to transform the Raman intensities into bond polarizability derivatives. Because of coordinate mixing and the inherent sign ambiguity of molecular polarizability derivatives, there are eight sets of bond polarizability derivatives which are consistent with the measured intensities. Only one set, however, gives reasonable polarizability derivatives for CC stretching and CCC bending, and also shows the requisite invariance to isotope substitution. This set gives a low value for the Li-Li polarizability derivative, and application of the delta function potential equation suggests that the extent of Li-Li bonding is small, amountin...
The human factor: A challenge for network reliability design

Computer and communication networks form part of the critical infrastructure of planetary society, and much work has gone into making the technology for such networks reliable. However, such networks have to be administered and managed by human administrators. The process of such administration, as it becomes increasingly complex, itself poses a challenge to protocols and systems designed to enhance network reliability. Several studies of highly reliable systems have shown that human operator error can account for 20–70% of system failures, and as the system become more reliable, the human factor gains increasing significance. Nevertheless, efforts to design reliability measures have remained largely disjoint from considerations of the human process of network administration. In this position paper, we describe some preliminary effort to examine the question of whether such joint consideration can be useful. We employ the first stages of a Grounded Theory approach to study network administration and management workflows in order to understand their impact in network reliability. Based on our study, we advance the proposition that the future of network reliability engineering must actively address the human process of system administration and management and concommittant misconfigurations.
The Academic Chair in Emergency Medicine: Current Demographics and Survey Results Identifying the Skills and Characteristics Desired for the Role

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:981–987 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: Due to the rapid growth in academic emergency departments over the past 20 years, recent significant changes in leadership have occurred. To prepare for future transitions, leaders in academic emergency medicine (EM) should identify those skills and characteristics desired in future academic chairs. The authors sought to determine which skills and characteristics are more important than others to help guide the development of EM-specific leadership courses. Methods: A survey of the current academic chairs in EM included questions pertaining to demographics, career time course, expected career longevity, and ratings of skills and characteristics deemed necessary for academic chairs. Chairs were asked to rate the qualities twice, to identify qualities that must be obtained prior to becoming chair, and those that may be obtained during chair tenure. Results: Ninety-seven percent of the membership of the Association of Academic Chairs in Emergency Medicine (AACEM) completed the survey. Most chairs have been in practice for over 15 years, and a minority, for less than 10 years. One-third predict less than 6 more years in their current position, and almost 50% predict their careers as chair will continue an additional 6–10 years. The highest-rated formal training was an administrative or leadership training course or certification. Chairs noted that academic experience (including scholarly productivity, peer-reviewed publication, faculty development, and graduate medical education) was the most important skill set to obtain prior to becoming a chair, while hospital governance and cross-departmental collaboration skills can be obtained once in the role. Managerial skills were also felt to be of importance. Personal characteristics were overall rated highly. No differences were found between responses from early chairs and those later in their careers. Conclusions: Leadership courses for aspiring chairs in EM should foster the development of academic experience and managerial skills. Advanced degrees in leadership or administration are highly desirable in future chairs.
TRPM2 protects against tissue damage following oxidative stress and ischaemia–reperfusion

TRPM channels are a subgroup of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily whose members have important roles in cell proliferation and survival. TRPM2, the second subfamily member to be cloned, is expressed in many tissues including brain, heart, vasculature and haematopoietic cells. TRPM2 is activated by oxidative stress and several other extracellular signals including tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and amyloid β-peptide, which increase production of ADP-ribose (ADPR). ADPR binds to the TRPM2 C-terminal NUDT9-H domain, activating the channel. Early studies support the paradigm that TRPM2 activation induces cell death by sustained Ca(2+) influx or by enhancing cytokine production, aggravating inflammation and tissue injury. However, more recent data show that for a number of physiological processes, TRPM2 is protective. TRPM2 protects lungs from endotoxin-induced injury by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by phagocytes. It protects hearts from oxidative damage after ischaemia-reperfusion or hypoxia-reoxygenation by maintaining better mitochondrial bioenergetics and by decreasing ROS. Sustained Ca(2+) entry through TRPM2 is required to maintain cellular bioenergetics and protect against hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. TRPM2 also protects neuroblastoma from moderate oxidative stress by decreasing ROS through increased levels of forkhead box transcription factor 3a (FOXO3a) and a downstream effector, superoxide dismutase 2. TRPM2 is important for tumour growth and cell survival through modulation of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor expression, mitochondrial function and mitophagy. These findings in cardiac ischaemia and in neuroblastoma suggest that TRPM2 has a basic role in sustaining mitochondrial function and in cell survival that applies to a number of physiological systems and pathophysiological processes including ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Using Competitive Intelligence to Develop an Automated Visa Approval System

The use of competitive intelligence techniques identified the need for an automated visa approval system to streamline straightforward visa decisions that allows analysts more time for problematic applications. Such a system facilitates the capture and use of lessons learned and encourages knowledge sharing to support global terrorism risk management. However, automation of visa approvals raises issues related to human rights, data quantity and quality, choice of models and the correct interpretation of contextualized results.
Effect of oral sucrose on ingestive behavior in the near-term ovine fetus.

Abstract Background: Dipsogen-mediated ingestion matures acutely in late gestation because the preterm fetus may demonstrate absent responses to putative dipsogens. Although central appetite-mediated ingestive behavior is functional near term, it is unknown whether peripheral mechanisms for stimulation of appetite also are functional. In the adult, sweet taste stimulates and potentiates ingestive behavior. We sought to determine whether oropharyngeal sucrose exposure stimulates ingestive behavior in the near-term ovine fetus. Study Design: Time-dated pregnant ewes with near-term singleton fetuses (n = 6) were chronically prepared with fetal vascular and sublingual catheters and esophageal electromyogram electrodes and studied at 129 ± 1 days of gestation. After an initial 2-hour baseline period, successive solutions of distilled water and 2.5%, 10%, and 40% sucrose were infused sublingually (0.25 mL/min), each for 2 hours. Maternal and fetal arterial blood samples were drawn at timed intervals. Results: During the basal period, fetal swallowing averaged 0.9 ± 0.1 swallows per minute. Swallowing did not change in response to distilled water (0.9 ± 0.2 swallows per minute) but significantly increased after sublingual infusion of 2.5% sucrose (1.3 ± 0.1 swallows per minute), 10% sucrose (1.8 ± 0.1 swallows per minute), and 40% sucrose (1.3 ± 0.1 swallows per minute, P =.001). There were no significant changes in other fetal or maternal parameters. Conclusions: The stimulation of fetal swallowing in response to sublingual sucrose infusion suggests that taste-mediated ingestive behavior is functional in the near-term fetus and that both central and systemic appetite mechanisms are intact near term. Fetal swallowing increased in response to an increase in sucrose concentration to peak at 10% and then decreased with further rises in concentration, possibly mediated by aversive fetal reaction to a high-intensity sucrose concentration. ( Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:898–901.)
Guest editor's introduction - Computing in optics

Computing is pervasive in almost all modern scientific endeavors, but nowhere is the need for computing power and efficient computational techniques more apparent than in the optics and imaging fields.
Psychological distress as a mediator of the relation between perceived maternal parenting and normative maladaptive eating among adolescent girls.

Burgeoning research on the adolescent (e.g., middle-school) years suggests that this is a particularly vulnerable period for the development of maladaptive eating patterns. Prior research has established a link between perceptions of maternal parenting practices and adolescent onset of problematic eating behaviors. The authors hypothesized that adolescents' internalized psychological distress accounts for this relation, and they tested this hypothesis via a longitudinal, mediational study of 73 adolescent girls followed from 6th to 8th grade. Results of structural equation modeling using latent variables supported the hypothesis, identifying a time-ordered process that emphasizes the significance of the mother-adolescent relationship and the importance of targeting counseling interventions at improving parenting practices and helping adolescents to regulate negative affect as a means of preventing the development of maladaptive eating.
Design of allosteric hammerhead ribozymes activated by ligand-induced structure stabilization

Abstract Background: Ribozymes can function as allosteric enzymes that undergo a conformational change upon ligand binding to a site other than the active site. Although allosteric ribozymes are not known to exist in nature, nucleic acids appear to be well suited to display such advanced forms of kinetic control. Current research explores the mechanisms of allosteric ribozymes as well as the strategies and methods that can be used to create new controllable enzymes. Results: In this study, we exploit the modular nature of certain functional RNAs to engineer allosteric ribozymes that are activated by flavin mononucleotide (FMN) or theophylline. By joining an FMN- or theophylline-binding domain to a hammerhead ribozyme by different stem II elements, we have identified a minimal connective bridge comprised of a G·U wobble pair that is responsive to ligand binding. Binding of FMN or theophylline to its allosteric site induces a conformational change in the RNA that stabilizes the wobble pair and ultimately favors the active form of the catalytic core. These ligand-sensitive ribozymes exhibit rate enhancements of more than 100-fold in the presence of FMN and of ∼40-fold in the presence of theophylline. Conclusions: An adaptive strategy for modular rational design has proven to be an effective approach to the engineering of novel allosteric ribozymes. This strategy was used to create allosteric ribozymes that function by a mechanism involving ligand-induced structure stabilization. Conceivably, similar engineering strategies and allosteric mechanisms could be used to create a variety of novel allosteric ribozymes that function with other effector molecules.
NON-LINEAR DYNAMICS OF AN ARTICULATED TOWER IN THE OCEAN

Abstract This paper presents studies on the response of an articulated tower in the ocean subjected to deterministic and random wave loading. The tower is modeled as an upright rigid pendulum with a concentrated mass at the top, having one angular-degree-of-freedom (planar motion) about a hinge with Coulomb friction, and viscous structural damping. In the derivation of the differential equation of motion, non-linear terms due to geometric (large angle) and fluid forces (drag and inertia) are included. The wave loading is derived using a modified Morison's equation to include current velocity, in which the velocity and acceleration of the fluid are determined along the instantaneous position of the tower, causing the equation of motion to be highly non-linear. Furthermore, since the differential equation's coefficients are time dependent (periodic), parametric instability can occur depending on the system parameters such as wave height and frequency, buoyancy, and drag coefficient. The non-linear differential equation is then solved numerically using `ACSL' software. The response of the tower to deterministic wave loading is investigated and a stability analysis is performed (harmonic, subharmonic and superharmonic resonance). To solve the equation for random loading, the Pierson-Moskowitz power spectrum, describing the wave height, is first transformed into an approximate time history using Borgman's method with slight modification. The equation of motion is then solved as buoyancy, initial conditions, wave height and frequency, and current velocity and direction, is investigated.
Contribution of host resistance to radiosensitivity of an isologous murine lymphoma in vivo.

SummaryLSA ascites lymphoma cells were irradiated in vitro and assayed in vivo in isologous recipients. Results with the TD50 method were correlated with a separate assay using an inoculum containing a fixed total number of tumour cells and measuring the 50 per cent sterilization dose (SD50) of x-radiation. Comparison of sham- and pre-irradiated recipients showed differences which were consistent with the presence of isoantigenic tumour antigens, using the SD50 method. Host-resistance against the tumour was reduced by irradiation of the recipients, but significant differences were only evident when cell inocula were large. Isologous tumour resistance was found to become of progressively greater significance with larger numbers of radiation-killed cells. Host-resistance factors appear to increase apparent shoulder size (or extrapolation number), decrease D0, and convert a linear exponential survival curve to a more parabolic one. Host-resistance factors may contribute to cell-survival response in vivo with...
Heat Transfer Correlations for Liquid Film in the Evaporator of Enclosed, Gravity-Assisted Thermosyphons

Heat transfer correlations were developed for the liquid film region in the evaporator section of closed, two-phase, gravity-assisted thermosyphons in the following regimes: (a) laminar convection, at low heat fluxes, (b) combined convection, at intermediate heat fluxes, and (c) nucleate boiling, at high heat fluxes. These correlations were based on a data set consisting of a total of 305 points for ethanol, acetone, R-11, and R-113 working fluids, wall heat fluxes of 0.99-52.62 kW/m 2 , working fluid filling ratios of 0.01-0.62, inner diameters of 6-37 mm, evaporator section lengths of 50-609.6 mm, and vapor temperatures of 261-352 K. The combined convection data were correlated by superimposing the correlations oflaminar convection and nucleate boiling using a power law approach, to ensure smooth transition among the three heat transfer regimes. The three heat transfer correlations developed in this work are within ±15 percent of experimental data.
In situ Studies of Soft- and Reactive Landing of Mass-Selected Ions Using Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy

Grazing incidence infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) for in situ and in real time characterization of substrates modified by soft and reactive landing (SL and RL) of complex ions was implemented on a mass-selected ion deposition instrument. Ions produced by electrospray ionization were mass-selected using a quadrupole mass filter and deposited onto inert and reactive self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surfaces. Surface composition during and after ion deposition was monitored using IRRAS. Physisorption of a cyclic peptide, Gramicidin S (GS), was studied for 8 h during deposition and additional 12 h after the end of deposition. The integrated signal of the characteristic amide bands followed a linear increase during the deposition and stayed unchanged after the deposition was finished. Similar linear increase in IRRAS signal was obtained following reactive deposition of the protonated dodecanediamine onto SAMs of dithiobis (succinimidyl undecanoate) (NHS-SAM) and 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid fluoride (COF-SAM) on gold. IRRAS allowed us to monitor for the first time the formation of the amide bond between reactive SAM surfaces and the projectile molecule.
Automatic growth series for right-angled Coxeter groups

Right-angled Coxeter groups have a natural automatic structure induced by their action on a CAT(0) cube complex. The normal form for this structure is defined with respect to the generating set consisting of all cliques in the defining graph for the group. In this paper we study the growth series for right-angled Coxeter groups with respect to this automatic generating set. In particular, we show that there exist nonisomorphic Coxeter groups with the same automatic growth series, and give a comparison with the usual growth series defined with respect to the standard generating set.
The impact of antidiabetic therapies on cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects people with diabetes and is a leading cause of death. Glycemic control has so far not been conclusively shown to decrease cardiovascular events. The therapeutic agents used in treating glycemia have different effects on cardiovascular risks and, therefore, may have different effects on outcome. Insulin sensitizers impact cardiovascular risk factors, including dyslipidemia and fibrinolysis. Metformin is the only oral antidiabetic medication shown to decrease cardiovascular events independent of glycemic control. Thiazolidinediones improve insulin resistance and lower insulin concentrations, which is beneficial because hyperinsulinemia is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Insulin therapy acutely reduces cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with diabetes and known coronary artery disease and also in patients with hyperglycemia when critically ill, but the long-term effects are unclear. In contrast, insulin secretagogues have very little effect on both cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes.
Computer Systems Planning - tools & techniques

Computer Systems Planning for a large general purpose computer facility is discussed in this paper. An overview of the planning process is presented which emphasizes development of a workload forecast and setting planning objectives. Integrated use of accounting data, synthetic programs, a system simulation program and a software monitor is described. Experiences in planning at Johnson Space Center are used to illustrate pivotal issues in the planning process.
Effect of operating parameters on time to decomposition of high density polyethylene and chlorinated polyethylenes

Abstract An investigation was made to determine the influence of furnace temperature (500–800 °C), concentration of oxygen in the gas flow (0–100%, v v ) and sample mass (2–15 mg) on the decomposition time of several polymers. These were high density polyethylene and chlorinated polyethylenes (25, 36 and 42% by mass chlorine). Thermal oxidative degradation was undertaken in a Du Pont 951 thermogravimetric analyzer in the isothermal mode using a gas flow of 0.833 ml s −1 , STP. The results indicated that the average sample heating rate influenced the decomposition time most. Operating at higher furnace temperature (⩾ 700°C) and using a small sample mass (⩽ 2.5 mg) reduced the variance in t d . The activation energy for decomposition of the polymers was 39.3 ± 0.5 kJ mol −1 .
A framework for exploring unifying theories of empirical software engineering

Abstract One of the reasons for the lack of rigor in software engineering compared to physical and behavioral sciences is that the theories that underpin our work, both as software engineers and as software engineering researchers, have not been given enough attention. To provide a step forward towards greater rigor, a framework has been created with which to explore theories of software engineering and software engineering research. This framework provides a simple theory modeling language and model calculus to explore informally described theories and to generate the results of composing modeled theories. To illustrate and evaluate this framework, a general theory about software engineering is presented and then two simple theories, D and E, are proposed as the basis for laying out a unified theoretical foundation for software engineering and software engineering research. Software Engineering consists of two logical parts: design, and empirical evaluation (both terms used in their broadest senses). Theory D is the theoretical basis for the design part, and theory E is the theoretical basis for empirical evaluation. These two theories are then composed in various ways to lay out a space (a taxonomy, or ontology if you will) for software engineering and software engineering research. Finally, it is claimed that software engineering and software engineering research (both fully integrated with empirical evaluations) are models (in the logical sense) for these atomic and composed theories. To further evaluate the framework, examples are provided of modeling (implicit) theories found in a number of software engineering (theory) papers. The results of this research are: 1) a scientific elegance in creating larger more complex theories out of simpler theories, 2) an elegant way of explaining the complexity of software engineering and software engineering research, and 3) a theory modeling language and model calculus for composing the resulting theoretical models.
Physiologic Aspects of Lymphatic Contractile Function

The lymphatic system plays an important role in fluid/macromolecular balance, lipid absorption, and immune functions, and is involved in many different pathologic conditions, like inflammation, spread of cancer cells, and lymphedema. There are several forces that drive lymph centripetally. Extrinsic driving forces, or the passive lymph pump, include lymph formation, arterial pulsations, skeletal muscles contractions, fluctuations of central venous pressure, gastrointestinal peristalsis, and respiration. Intrinsic forces, or the active lymph pump, are the result of coordinated contractions of lymphangions, the morpho-functional units of the lymphatic vessels, which include the valve and portion of the vessel extending to the next valve. The contractions of the lymphangions are initiated by the pacemaker activity of the smooth muscle cells of lymphangion wall. Transmural pressure is an important hydrodynamic factor that modulates pacemaking. Under conditions of low filling, lymphangions might produce negative intraluminal pressures and a suction effect. Because of the complicated hydrodynamic conditions in lymphatic beds, the passive and active lymph pumps sometimes work together to propel lymph centripetally. In other cases (i.e., under conditions of enhanced lymph flow), flow-mediated inhibition of the active lymph pump could serve to decrease lymphatic outflow resistance and save metabolic energy when the driving force of the passive lymph pump is enough to propel lymph. We have recently found that there are profound differences in the pressure and flow sensitivities of lymphatic vessels derived from different tissues, such as the thoracic duct and mesenteric lymphatics. Such results, when considered in light of the controversy surrounding some studies performed in different animals, lead to the idea that the active lymph pumps in humans may have greater regional differences in contractile function than has been seen in animals, because of the upright posture in bipedal humans. This posture creates an additional outflow resistance for lymphatics of the lower part of the body. Thus, despite the ongoing attempts to determine the mechanisms of lymphatic diseases and useful therapies to treat them, there are many disputable or unknown issues regarding the physiology of lymph transport in humans.
The Effects of Integrating the U.S. Census Bureau's Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates Into the Appalachian Regional Commission's Designation of Economically Distressed Counties:

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has used the “distressed county” designation to identify counties with the most structurally disadvantaged economies. The ARC annually updates distressed status of counties with current unemployment and per capita market income data. This research evaluates the potential impact of incorporating the U.S. Census Bureau Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) into the ARC distressed county designation. The distressed status accuracy results from the end of the 1980s and the magnitude and causes of distressed status transitions in the early 1990s indicate that using the SAIPE would alter the distressed designation but not to a radical degree. However, combining the SAIPE point estimate and the SAIPE upper bound estimate in the determination of distressed status would achieve the objective of using more current estimates of poverty while reducing the negative consequences of using an estimate of poverty with greater statistical variation than decennial census-d...
a Matrix and Accompanying Classifications for Identifying Water Research Problems and Needs

: A matrix was developed of problems with the functional use of water resources (rows) and functions served by water resources research (columns). A classification of water problems and a classification of research fields also were developed to accompany the matrix. The matrix and classification schemes were used when preparing the five-year research and development plan of the Water Resources Center of The Ohio State University. They were used: (1) to classify each research project that had been supported by the Water Resources Center from 1965 through 1980, (2) to guide interviews with personnel of federal and state agencies and university faculty who assisted in defining Ohio's water research needs, (3) to organize responses received during these interviews, and (4) to arrive at a selected list of ten problems with the functional use of Ohio's water resources that were prioritized based upon opinions received from water-related officials throughout the state. Other matrices and classification schemes are reviewed that were revised and expanded upon when formulating the ones used in Ohio. Suggestions are given regarding further development of the functional matrix and accompanying classifications as well as their use in administration of the cooperative federal-state water resources research program and other federal water resources research programs.
Social norms and social influence

Psychology has a long history of demonstrating the power and reach of social norms; they can hardly be overestimated. To demonstrate their enduring influence on a broad range of social phenomena, we describe two fields where research continues to highlight the power of social norms: prejudice and energy use. The prejudices that people report map almost perfectly onto what is socially appropriate, likewise, people adjust their energy use to be more in line with their neighbors. We review new approaches examining the effects of norms stemming from multiple groups, and utilizing normative referents to shift behaviors in social networks. Though the focus of less research in recent years, our review highlights the fundamental influence of social norms on social behavior.
Promoting early detection tests for colorectal carcinoma and adenomatous polyps: a framework for action: the strategic plan of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.

BACKGROUND. The purpose of the current study was to provide health professionals, professional organizations, policy makers, and the general public with a practical blueprint for increasing the practice of screening for colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and adenomatous polyps over the next decade. The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) was founded in 1997 by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide strategic leadership, advocacy, long-range planning, and coordination of interventions targeted at reducing the disease burden of CRC through education, early detection, and prevention. The NCCRT and its three workgroups include CRC survivors; recognized experts in primary care, gastroenterology, radiology, colorectal surgery, nursing, public policy, epidemiology, and behavioral science; patient advocates; and representatives of health plans and insurers, government, and other organizations. METHODS. The NCCRT performed a literature review of published and unpublished data related to CRC screening guidelines, compliance, and barriers to adherence, as well as test effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Members of the three NCCRT workgroups developed summary reports regarding professional education, public education and awareness, and health policy. A drafting committee developed the final strategic plan from workgroup reports, which was reviewed by the entire NCCRT membership, amended, and subsequently approved in final form.
Interface contributions to spin relaxation in a short-period InAs/GaSb superlattice

We describe measurements and analysis of the electronic spin relaxation in a short-period InAs/GaSb superlattice. Intrinsic inversion symmetry breaking due to tetrahedral bonding at the superlattice interfaces leads to spin relaxation over an order of magnitude greater than that expected from a continuum model. We extract the inversion asymmetry of the bonding character at the two distinct interfaces in this superlattice and describe how these (and future) measurements can be used to constrain fundamental interface parameters of superlattice envelope-function models.