cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, principal support, self-efficacy, and beliefs predict commitment to trauma-informed care.

Objective Organizations are identifying trauma-informed care (TIC) as a priority yet implementation is slow. Research suggests commitment to a change effort is an important predictor for change behavior; however, there is little theoretical or empirical evidence exploring commitment to TIC. This study examines the variables that predict affective commitment to TIC including foundational knowledge, principal support, self-efficacy, and beliefs about trauma. Does foundational knowledge independently predict affective commitment to TIC or is this relationship mediated by other variables? Method Data were collected from 118 participants working in human services, using cross-sectional survey design. Participants completed self-report measures of affective commitment to TIC, foundational knowledge, principal support, self-efficacy, and beliefs about trauma. It was hypothesized that the relationship between foundational knowledge and affective commitment to TIC would be mediated through self-efficacy and beliefs about trauma, but not through principal support. Structural equation modeling was used to test the direct and indirect effects. Results The findings support a partially mediated model with a direct effect between foundational knowledge and affective commitment to TIC (explaining 5% of the variance in affective commitment) and indirect effects between foundational knowledge and affective commitment through principal support, TIC self-efficacy, and beliefs about trauma. Altogether, the model explained 65% of the variance in affective commitment to TIC. Conclusion This study contributes to both the organizational change literature and the growing TIC literature. As individuals and organizations work to implement TIC, these findings provide theoretical and practical implications for the field, addressing an important gap in research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Virus Removal and Virus Purification

Abstract Membrane-based separation processes are routinely used for virus removal and virus purification. In the manufacture of protein-based biopharmaceuticals, validation of virus clearance is critical. Viruses represent a possible contaminant. However, recovery and purification of virus particles is essential for the large-scale production of virus vectors for gene therapy applications and viral vaccines. Here virus particles represent the therapeutic of interest. Recovery and purification of virus particles is particularly challenging given the fragility and complexity of these particles compared to therapeutic proteins. Currently, there are three membrane-based unit operations that are frequently used for virus removal and purification operations: virus filtration, membrane adsorber-based chromatography, and tangential flow filtration. These unit operations are the topic of this chapter. Given the numerous advantages of membrane-based unit operations such as scalability and gentle processing conditions, development of new membranes and modes of operation continues to grow.
Graphene-coated Suspended Metallic Nanostructures for Fast and Sensitive Optomechanical Infrared Detection

We investigate the effect of incorporating graphene in suspended metallic nanostructures for radiation detection. We have found enhanced absorptance resulting in increased sensitivity and faster operation owing to graphene's extraordinary plasmonic and thermal properties. © 2019 The Author(s)
Uniformly accurate machine learning-based hydrodynamic models for kinetic equations.

A framework is introduced for constructing interpretable and truly reliable reduced models for multiscale problems in situations without scale separation. Hydrodynamic approximation to the kinetic equation is used as an example to illustrate the main steps and issues involved. To this end, a set of generalized moments are constructed first to optimally represent the underlying velocity distribution. The well-known closure problem is then solved with the aim of best capturing the associated dynamics of the kinetic equation. The issue of physical constraints such as Galilean invariance is addressed and an active-learning procedure is introduced to help ensure that the dataset used is representative enough. The reduced system takes the form of a conventional moment system and works regardless of the numerical discretization used. Numerical results are presented for the BGK (Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook) model and binary collision of Maxwell molecules. We demonstrate that the reduced model achieves a uniform accuracy in a wide range of Knudsen numbers spanning from the hydrodynamic limit to free molecular flow.
Estimation of cellular‐interstitial water exchange in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI using two flip angles

PURPOSE To investigate the feasibility of using multiple flip angles in dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI to reduce the uncertainty in estimation of intracellular water lifetime (τi ). METHODS Numerical simulation studies were conducted to assess the uncertainty in estimation of τi using dynamic contrast enhanced MRI with one or two flip angles. In vivo experiments with a murine brain tumor model were conducted at 7T using two flip angles. The in vivo data were used to compare τi estimation using the single-flip-angle (SFA) protocol with that using the double-flip-angle (DFA) protocol. Data analysis was conducted using the two-compartment exchange model combined with the three-site-two-exchange model for water exchange. RESULTS In the numerical simulation studies with a range of contrast kinetic parameters and signal-to-noise ratio = 20, the median bias of τi estimation decreased from 72 ms with SFA to 65 ms with DFA, and the corresponding median inter-quartile range reduced from 523 ms to 156 ms. In the in vivo studies, τi estimation with SFA was not successful in most voxels in the tumors, as the estimated τi values reached the upper limit of the parameter range (2 s). In contrast, the estimated τi values with DFA were mostly between 0.2 and 1.5 s and homogeneously distributed spatially across the tumor. The τi estimation with DFA was less sensitive to arterial input function scaling but more sensitive to pre-contrast T1 than the other contrast kinetic parameters. CONCLUSION This study results demonstrate the feasibility of using multiple flip angles to encode the post-contrast time-intensity curve with different weighting of water exchange effect to reduce the uncertainty in τi estimation.
Family satisfaction in the trauma and surgical intensive care unit: another important quality measure.

Background A growing body of research has explored patient satisfaction as one of the healthcare quality measures. To date, scarce data are available regarding family experience in the trauma and surgical intensive care unit (TSICU). The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the results of a family satisfaction survey in the TSICU. Methods Family members of patients at a level 1 trauma center were invited to participate in this study after 72 hours of intensive care unit stay. Participants completed a modified version of the Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit questionnaire, a validated survey measuring family satisfaction with care and decision-making. Data collection spanned from April 2016 to July 2017. Patient characteristics were compiled from the medical record. Quantitative analysis was performed using a 5-point Likert score, converted to a scale of 0 (poor) to 100 (excellent). Results The overall response rate was 78.6%. Of the 103 family members for 88 patients, most were young (median age: 41 years) and female (75%). Language fluency was 44.6% English-only, 31.7% Spanish-only, and 23.8% bilingual. Mean summary family satisfaction scores (±SD) were 80.6±26.4 for satisfaction with care, 79.3±27.1 for satisfaction with decision-making, and 80.1±26.7 for total satisfaction. Respondents were less satisfied with the frequency of communication with physicians (70.7±27.4) and language translation (73.2±31.2). Discussion Overall family satisfaction with the care provided to patients in the TSICU is high, although opportunities for improvement were noted in the frequency of communication between physicians and family and language translation services. Further quality improvement projects are warranted. Level of evidence Care management study: level V.
A safe space to breathe

ABSTRACTObjective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a mutual aid hospital-based group intervention, “Parent Connect”, in supporting parental coping and adjustment to their child’s diagnosi...
22 – TRANSACTION COSTS, RISK AVERSION, AND THE CHOICE OF CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS*

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses transaction costs, risk aversion, and the choice of contractual arrangements. Every transaction involves a contract, and the transactions conducted in the marketplace entail outright or partial transfers of property rights among individual contracting parties. The contractual arrangements through which these transfers are negotiated are several and varied. The chapter presents a theory that states that economic efficiency is the same under various land tenure arrangements subject to the constraint of private property rights. Although transaction costs exist in the real world, the theory enables the understanding of much of the farming behavior. However, the presence of a variety of contractual arrangements under the same constraint of competition poses the question of the choice of these arrangements. If a firm can increase efficiency in production by employing productive resources of more than one resource owner, a contract to combine the resources will be obtained. The formation of the contract involves partial transfers of property rights in one form or another, such as leasing, hiring, or mortgaging.
Multicommodity Allocation for Dynamic Demands Using PageRank Vectors

AbstractWe consider a variant of the contact process concerning multicommodity allocation. In this process, the demands for several types of commodities are initially given at some specified vertices, and then the demands spread interactively in the contact graph. To allocate supplies in such a dynamic setting, we use a modified version of PageRank vectors, called Kronecker PageRank, to identify vertices for shipping supplies. We analyze both the situation that the demand distribution evolves mostly in clusters around the initial vertices and the case that the demands spread to the whole network. We establish sharp upper bounds for the probability that the demands are satisfied as a function of PageRank vectors.
Tumor organoid models in precision medicine and investigating cancer-stromal interactions

Tumor development and progression require chemical and mechanical cues derived from cellular and non-cellular components in the tumor microenvironment, including the extracellular matrix (ECM), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells, and immune cells. Therefore, it is crucial to develop tissue culture models that can mimic in vivo cancer cell-ECM and cancer-stromal cell interactions. Three-dimensional (3D) tumor culture models have been widely utilized to study cancer development and progression. A recent advance in 3D culture is the development of patient-derived tumor organoid (PDO) models from primary human cancer tissue. PDOs maintain the heterogeneity of the primary tumor, which makes them more relevant for identifying therapeutic targets and verifying drug response. Other significant advances include development of 3D co-culture assays to investigate cell-cell interactions and tissue/organ morphogenesis, and microfluidic technology that can be integrated into 3D culture to mimic vasculature and blood flow. These advances offer spatial and temporal insights into cancer cell-stromal interactions and represent novel techniques to study tumor progression and drug response. Here, we summarize the recent progress in 3D culture and tumor organoid models, and discuss future directions and the potential of utilizing these models to study cancer-stromal interactions and direct personalized treatment.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in bladder cancer: Clinical benefit observed in prospective trials computed with restricted mean survival times.

Abstract Purpose Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is the standard of care for eligible patients with cT2-4a N0 M0 bladder cancer undergoing surgical resection. The extent to which (and if) NAC increases patient survival is not clear as clinical trials and meta-analyses have generated both negative and “borderline” positive results. The novel method of calculating restricted mean survival times (RMST) may provide a more meaningful way to quantify treatment efficacy due to inherent statistical limitations of conventional hazard ratios. In this study we analyzed the survival benefit attributable to NAC in bladder cancer by calculating RMST of previously published clinical trials. Materials and methods All published randomized controlled clinical trials of bladder cancer with available survival data comparing NAC plus radical cystectomy with cystectomy alone were included. RMSTs were calculated for each cohort at the 5-year and total follow-up time periods, comparing the NAC and radical cystectomy groups. Fixed effect meta-analysis of the 5-year RMSTs was then performed to calculate the net impact of NAC on overall survival. Results For 2 among 7 included trails, RMST analysis changed the statistical significance. The SWOG 8,710 trial that had previously suggested a survival benefit associated with NAC (P = 0.06) was found to have a clearer beneficial association by 5-year RMST (6.5 month benefit; P = 0.01) and total follow-up RMST (13.6 month benefit over 168 months; P = 0.04). The International Collaboration of Trialists trial that had previously suggested a survival benefit with NAC (P = 0.04) was found to have a beneficial association by total follow-up RMST (6.7 months benefit over 120 months; P = 0.04) but not 5-year RMST (P = 0.10). The interpretation of other trials did not change. Fixed effect meta-analysis suggested a clinically significant overall survival benefit associated with NAC (3.2 months benefit over 60 months; P Conclusions Evaluation of published randomized controlled trials using RMSTs strengthens the association of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with survival benefit in bladder cancer. As RMST may enable improved detection of clinical benefit when compared to conventional statistical methods, consideration should be given to RMST-based endpoints in future clinical trial design.
Raciolinguistic genealogy as method in the sociology of language

This commentary proposes raciolinguistic genealogy as a methodological approach to the sociology of language. It briefly defines three components of this approach: 1) a genealogical stance; 2) a materialist framing of racism; and 3) a raciolinguistic perspective. It offers the case of bilingual education in the United States as an illustration of the affordances of raciolinguistic genealogy in moving the field forward.
Variability in age at Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia across US children's hospitals.

Abstract Background/Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess variability in age at Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) in infants with biliary atresia (BA) across children's hospitals in the United States. Study Design A multi-institutional retrospective study was performed examining infants with BA undergoing KP within 6 months of birth from 2016–2019, utilizing the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). Multivariable negative binomial mixed effects regression was performed for age at KP, and inter-hospital variability was examined. Results Across 46 hospitals, 470 infants with BA underwent KP at a median age of 57 days (IQR 42–72), with 212 (45.1%) undergoing KP at ≥60 days of age. There was significant inter-hospital variability in age at KP ranging from 38 days (95% CI: 31d, 47d) to 76 days (95% CI: 63d, 91d) (p Conclusion There is significant variability in the age at KP in infants with BA across children's hospitals in the United States. Type of Study Retrospective study. Level of Evidence. III
E-Commerce Metrics for Net-Enhanced Organizations: Assessing the Value of E-Commerce to Firm Performance in the Manufacturing Sector

In this study we developed a set of constructs to measure e-commerce capability in Internet-enhanced organizations. The e-commerce capability metrics consist of four dimensions - information, transaction, customization, and supplier connection. These measures were empirically validated for reliability, content and construct validity. Then we examined the nomological validity of these e-commerce metrics in terms of their relationships to firm performance, with data from 260 manufacturing companies divided into high IT-intensity and low IT-intensity sectors. Grounded in the dynamic capabilities perspective and the resource-based theory of the firm, a series of hypotheses were developed. After controlling for variations of industry effects and firm size, our empirical analysis found a significant relationship between e-commerce capability and some measures of firm performance (e.g., inventory turnover), indicating that the proposed metrics have demonstrated value for capturing e-commerce effects. However, our analysis showed that e-commerce tends to be associated with increased cost of goods sold for traditional manufacturing companies, but an opposite relationship for technology companies. This result seems to highlight the role of resource complementarity for the business value of e-commerce - traditional companies need enhanced alignment between e-commerce capability and their existing IT infrastructure in order to reap the benefits of e-commerce.
Effects of OPRM1 and DRD2 on brain structure in drug-naïve adolescents: Genetic and neural vulnerabilities to substance use.

Genetic variants in the opioid receptor mu 1 (OPRM1) and dopamine receptor d2 (DRD2) genes are implicated in behavioral phenotypes related to substance use disorders (SUD). Despite associations among OPRM1 (rs179971) and DRD2 (rs6277) genes and structural alterations in neural reward pathways implicated in SUDs, little is known about the contribution of risk-related gene variants to structural neurodevelopment. In a 3-year longitudinal study of initially SU-naive adolescents (N = 129; 70 females; 11-14 years old), participants underwent an MRI structural scan at baseline and provided genetic assays for OPRM1 and DRD2 with SU behavior assessed during follow-up visits. Baseline differences in key reward-related brain regions (i.e., bilateral caudate and cingulate cortex) were detected in those with genetic liability for SU in OPRM1 who went onto engage in SU at subsequent waves of data collection. In addition, main effects of OPRM1, DRD2, and SU were related to variability in structure of the putamen, anterior cingulate, and nucleus accumbens, respectively. These data provide preliminary evidence that genetic risk factors interact with future SU to confer structural variability prior to SU in regions commonly implicated in risk for SU and the development of SUDs.
An efficient device to experimentally model compression injury of mammalian spinal cord

Abstract We report an efficient and effective device to reproducibly model clinically relevant spinal cord injury (SCI) via controlled mechanical compression. In the present study, following skin incision, dorsal laminectomy was performed to expose T10 spinal cord of adult female Sprague–Dawley rats (230–250 g). The vertebral column was suspended and stabilized by Allis clamps at T8 and 12 spinous processes. A metal impounder was then gently loaded onto T10 dura (20, 35 or 50 g × 5 min; n = 7/group), resulting in acute mild, moderate, or severe standing weight compression, respectively. Neurobehavioral outcomes were evaluated using the BBB locomotor scale and inclined plane test for coordinated hindlimb function, and a battery of spinal reflex tests for sensorimotor functions, at 1 day following SCI and weekly thereafter for 7 weeks. Quantitative histopathology was used to assess injury-triggered loss of white matter, gray matter and ventral horn motor neurons. Immunocytochemical levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) at the cervical and lumbar regions were measured to determine the distal segment impact of T10 compression. The data demonstrates that the standardized protocol generates weight-dependent hindlimb motosensory deficits and neurodegeneration primarily at and near the lesion epicenter. Importantly, there are significantly increased GFAP and APP expressions in spinal cord segments involved in eliciting post-SCI allodynia. Therefore, the described system reliably produces compression trauma in manners partially emulating clinical quasi-static insults to the spinal cord, providing a pragmatic model to investigate pathophysiological events and potential therapeutics for compression SCI.
Hippo Signaling and Stem Cells

The normal growth and development of an organ is dependent on the precise balance of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Slightest aberrations in signals stem cells receive can cause growth abnormalities and cancer. Emerging data suggest that the highly conserved Hippo signaling pathway can directly regulate stem cell proliferation and maintenance to control organ size. Furthermore, deregulation of the pathway promotes cancer stem cell-like properties and leads to tumor formation. Together, these findings implicate that the Hippo pathway modulates the dynamic activity of stem cells in tissue repair, regeneration, and development. Here, we summarize the latest findings that establish the role of Hippo pathway in stem cell biology.
Informativity renders a referent more accessible: Evidence from eyetracking

The amount of information attached to a noun phrase (henceforth, NP) has been shown to enhance accessibility and increase pronominal reference in language production. However, both the effect of information quantity on the comprehension of ambiguous pronouns and the time course of any informativity effect have been left unexplored. In two eyetracking experiments, we investigated how additional information on the part of NP referents influenced the resolution of following ambiguous pronouns. The results of the first experiment revealed an informativity effect, with more looks to the informationally richer referent than to the competitor. However, the effect of additional information emerged late in time when the referent was the object of the verb. The second experiment replicated the results of the first and also showed that, consistent with the online results, an ambiguous pronoun is interpreted as referring to the informationally richer NP in an offline, explicit pronoun resolution task. The results lend support to theories of language processing that assume that explicit information increases the accessibility of the associated concept, in contrast to approaches that assume that accessibility is associated with givenness.
Robert W. Pringle. Historical Dictionary of Russian and Soviet Intelligence.

Historical Dictionary of Russian and Soviet Intelligence maps the complicated and turbulent history of Russian and Soviet intelligence agencies. The dictionary is part of Scarecrow Press’ series on...
Adenosine deaminase from calf spleen: I. Purification

Abstract The adenosine deaminase from calf spleen was purified 500-fold by isoelectric precipitation, ammonium sulfate fractionation, and chromatography on Bio-Rex-70, DEAE Sephadex A-50 and SE-Sephadex C-50, the last two steps being repeated. The enzyme appears homogeneous upon polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and free of several other spleen enzymes at the levels tested.
Divergences between clinical and research methods for assessing personality disorders : Implications for research and the evolution of axis II

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which instruments for assessing axis II diverge from clinical diagnostic processes. Method: Subjects in the first study were 52 clinicians with experience in assessment and treatment of patients with personality disorders, who were surveyed about the methods they use in clinical practice to make diagnoses and other aspects of the diagnostic process. A second study replicated the major findings with a random national sample of 1,901 experienced psychiatrists and psychologists. Results: Whereas current instruments rely primarily on direct questions derived from DSM-IV, clinicians of every theoretical persuasion found direct questions useful for assessing axis I disorders but only marginally so for axis II. They made axis II diagnoses, instead, by listening to patients describe interpersonal interactions and observing their behavior with the interviewer. In contrast to findings with current research instruments, most patients with personality disorders in clinical practice receive only one axis II diagnosis, and if they receive more than one, one is considered primary. Clinicians reported treating a substantial number of patients for enduring personality patterns that current axis II instruments do not assess, many of which meet neither axis I nor axis II criteria, notably problems with relatedness, work, self-esteem, and chronic subclinical depressive traits. Conclusions: Measures of axis II were constructed by using a model derived from axis I instruments that diverges from clinical diagnostic procedures in a way that may be problematic for the assessment of personality disorders and the development of a more clinically and empirically sound taxonomy. (Am J Psychiatry 1997; 154:895‐903)
Implementation of Bond Durability in the Design of Flexural Members with Externally Bonded FRP

AbstractExternally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are becoming a method of choice for the repair/strengthening of civil structures, some of which are situated in environments detrimental to FRP-concrete bond durability. Based on analysis of an extensive database of durability test results from notched-beam three-point bending tests, a bond durability factor (BDF) of 0.60 was identified as an appropriate estimate of bond durability for wet-layup carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). This factor was compared to a normalized database of durability data from the literature, and it was found that a 0.60 BDF agrees well with these data. A modified procedure for determining the ultimate design strain primarily in bond-critical applications (such as external flexural and shear FRP reinforcement), is proposed. This procedure makes a distinction between durability properties associated with the FRP rupture and debonding failure modes. When used for practically feasible strengthening ratios and i...
An a priori identifiability condition and order determination algorithm for MIMO systems

The identification of deterministic multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems is studied. An a priori condition for determining the identifiability of stable and unstable MIMO systems is derived. The condition also determines the minimum length data sequence which will allow successful identification. In addition, an algorithm is presented for determining the order of the system prior to identifying the system parameters. In deriving the results the properties of a Sylvester matrix is used.
Preference and expectancy arousal: further evidence.

(1970). Preference and Expectancy Arousal: Further Evidence. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 83, No. 2, pp. 267-268.
Interactive software for material parameter characterization of advanced engineering constitutive models

The development of an overall strategy to estimate the material parameters for a class of viscoplastic material models is presented. The procedure is automated through the integrated software COMPARE (COnstitutive Material PARameter Estimator) that enables the determination of an 'optimum' set of material parameters by minimizing the errors between the experimental test data and the model's predicted response. The core ingredients of COMPARE are (i) primal analysis, which utilizes a finite element-based solution scheme, (ii) sensitivity analysis utilizing a direct-differentiation approach for the material response sensitivities, and (iii) a gradient-based optimization technique of an error/cost function. Now that the COMPARE core code has reached a level of maturity, a graphical user interface (GUI) was deemed necessary. Without such an interface, use of COMPARE was previously restricted to very experienced users with the additional cumbersome, and sometimes tedious, task of preparing the required input files manually. The complexity of the input containing massive amounts of data has previously placed severe limitations on the use of such optimization procedures by the general engineering community. By using C++ and the Microsoft Foundation Classes to develop a GUI, it is believed that an advanced code such as COMPARE ca a now make the transition to general usability in an engineering environment.
Coexisting densities and vapor pressures for R 143 from 314 to 401 K with new critical point property estimates

Abstract The coexisting densities and vapor pressures of R 143 ( 1,1,2-trifluoroethane) have been measured at NIST from 314 to 401 K. These results were compared with available R143 data. The critical point was not determined experimentally because of the temperature limitations of the apparatus. However, a revised estimate of the critical point based on the new experimental data was obtained by combining a new method of critical temperature estimation with a previously reported method of critical density determination. These data and the data of others were represented by both the Carnahan-Starling-DeSantis equation of state and the Deiters equation of state. The Camahan-Starling-DeSantis equation of state better represented the data and is easier to use for the calculation of the thermodynamic properties of R143.
A preliminary study of self-esteem, stigma, and disclosure in adolescents who stutter.

Abstract This study examined the self-esteem, perceived stigma, and disclosure practices of 48 adolescents who stutter divided into two age cohorts: younger (13, 14, and 15 years) and older (16, 17, and 18 years) adolescents. Results revealed that 41 (85%) of the participants scored within 1 S.D. from the mean on a standardized measure of self-esteem, indicative of positive self-esteem. Results also showed that stuttering did not present a stigmatizing condition for the majority (65%) of adolescents who stutter. However, 60% of participants indicated that they “rarely” or “never” discussed their stuttering. The younger adolescents perceived stuttering as a more negative and stigmatizing condition than older adolescents. Implications for understanding stuttering in adolescents are discussed. Educational objectives: Readers will learn about and understand (a) the role of stigma, disclosure, and self-esteem in stuttering; (b) the methods used to evaluate stigma, disclosure, and self-esteem in adolescents; and (c) the similarities between adolescents who stutter and normative data on self-esteem and stigma scales.
"Physician, heal thyself": how teaching holistic medicine differs from teaching CAM.

ABSTRACTThe term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been adopted to describe a system of health care not generally recognized as part of mainstream medical practice. It is often conflated with an older term, holistic medicine, which can briefly be defined as the art and science of heal
Seasonal Variation in Semen Quality of Some Missouri Dairy Bulls

Summary A study of the monthly variation of the initial motility, volume, concentration, useful storage time, pH, and morphology of the semen of thirteen dairy bulls used in the University of Missouri herd during three years has been presented. The monthly variations in volume, concentration, and percentage of total abnormal spermatozoa were not statistically significant. The pH of the semen was significantly lower in the summer than in the fall. Initial motility and useful viability were lower in winter than in spring and summer. The results were interpreted as being largely due to the adverse effect of winter weather upon the physical well being and sexual activity of the aged bulls which furnished the majority of the semen studied.
Efficient dynamic voltage/frequency scaling through algorithmic loop transformation

We present a novel loop transformation technique, particularly well suited for optimizing embedded compilers, where an increase in compilation time is acceptable in exchange for significant reduction in energy consumption. Our technique transforms loops containing nested conditional blocks. Specifically, the transformation takes advantage of the fact that the Boolean value of a conditional expression, determining the true/false paths, can be statically analyzed and this information, combined with loop dependency information, can be used to break up the original loop, containing conditional expressions, into a number of smaller loops without conditional expressions. Subsequently, each of the smaller loops can be executed at the lowest voltage/frequency setting yielding overall energy reduction. Our experiments with loop kernels from mpeg4, mpeg-decoder, mpeg-encoder, mp3, qsdpcm and gimp show an impressive energy reduction of 26.56% (average) and 66% (best case) when running on a StrongARM embedded processor. The energy reduction was obtained at no additional performance penalty.
Gravitational Lens of the Sun: Its Potential for Observations and Communications over Interstellar Distances

The gravitational field of the sun acts as a spherical lens to magnify the intensity of radiation from a distant source along a semi-infinite focal line. A spacecraft anywhere on that line in principle could observe, eavesdrop, and communicate over interstellar distances, using equipment comparable in size and power with what is now used for interplanetary distances. If one neglects coronal effects, the maximum magnification factor for coherent radiation is inversely proportional to the wavelength, being 100 million at 1 millimeter. The principal difficulties are that the nearest point on the focal half-line is about 550 times the sun-earth distance, separate spacecraft would be needed to work with each stellar system of interest, and the solar corona would severely limit the intensity of coherent radiation while also restricting operations to relatively short wavelengths.
Determination of the Nicotine Metabolites Cotinine and Trans-3′-Hydroxycotinine in Biologic fluids of Smokers and Non-Smokers using Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Biomarkers for Tobacco Smoke Exposure and for Phenotyping Cytochrome P450 2A6 Activity

The nicotine metabolite cotinine is widely used to assess the extent of tobacco use in smokers, and secondhand smoke exposure in non-smokers. The ratio of another nicotine metabolite, trans-3'-hydroxycotinine, to cotinine in biofluids is highly correlated with the rate of nicotine metabolism, which is catalyzed mainly by cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6). Consequently, this nicotine metabolite ratio is being used to phenotype individuals for CYP2A6 activity and to individualize pharmacotherapies for tobacco addiction. In this paper we describe a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of the nicotine metabolites cotinine and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine in human plasma, urine, and saliva. Lower limits of quantitation range from 0.02 to 0.1ng/mL. The extraction procedure is straightforward and suitable for large-scale studies. The method has been applied to several thousand biofluid samples for pharmacogenetic studies and for studies of exposure to low levels of secondhand smoke. Concentrations of both metabolites in urine of non-smokers with different levels of secondhand smoke exposure are presented.
Metabolism of 17 α-ethynylestradiol in humans

17 alpha-Ethynylestradiol is extensively sulfated but the sulfate is thought to primarily be a storage form of this estrogen. 2-Hydroxylation is clearly the major oxidative reaction, and the 2-hydroxy derivative is further transformed by methylation and glucuronidation prior to urinary and fecal excretion. Alterations in the rate of 2-hydroxylation can have major effects on the pharmacokinetics and effectiveness of 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol as a contraceptive. The major human catalyst of the 2-hydroxylation reaction is liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 IIIA4. Lesser amounts of this enzyme are found in other tissues such as the intestine and may contribute to overall clearance of the orally administered contraceptive. In individuals with very low amounts of this enzyme other forms of cytochrome P-450 may make some contribution. Levels of cytochrome P-450 IIIA4 vary widely among individuals and can explain the variation in rates of 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol 2-hydroxylation. The known inducibility of the enzyme by barbiturates and rifampicin explains their effects in enhancing 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol clearance and reducing the effectiveness of the drug. Mechanism-based inactivation of cytochrome P-450 IIIA4 can be seen with 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol and other 17 alpha-acetylenic steroids, and the progestogen gestodene appears to be unusually active in this regard. Other unknown factors may also modulate levels of cytochrome P-450 IIIA4 and its ability to catalyze 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol 2-hydroxylation.
TRIDIAGONAL SOLVERS WITH MULTIPLE RIGHT HAND SIDES ON k-DIMENSIONAL MESH AND TORUS INTERCONNECTION NETWORKS

We consider the problem of designing optimal and efficient algorithms for solving tridiagonal linear systems with multiple right-hand side vectors on k-dimensional mesh and torus interconnection networks. We derive asymptotic upper and lower bounds for these solvers using odd-even cyclic reduction. We present various important bounds on execution time including general lower bounds which are independent of initial data assignment, and lower bounds based on classifying assignments via the proportion of initial data assigned amongst processors. Finally, different algorithms are designed in order to achieve running times that are within a small constant factor of the lower bounds provided.
Evidence for a male-produced aggregation pheromone in the rice weevil.

A male-produced aggregation pheromone in Sitophilus oryzae (L.) was detected in two closed laboratory bioassay systems. This pheromone proved to be equally attractive to virgin and mated 6- to 7-day-old adult males and females. Although mated males attracted virgin adults of both sexes, their attractance was less than that of virgin males. A new pitfall bioassay system was developed that traps insects lured to a source of attractant.
Banking and commerce: An overview of the public policy issues

Abstract This paper provides a broad overview of the public policy case for and against relaxing the historic separation between banking and commerce in the U.S. Important issues relating to economies of scope and scale, conflicts of interest and safety net exposure are identified. Nevertheless, in many cases evaluation of these issues is hindered by the absence of empirical evidence either from the U.S. or overseas.
The interaction of spatial scale and predator-prey functional response

Abstract Predator-prey models with a prey-dependent functional response have the property that the prey equilibrium value is determined only by predator characteristics. However, in observed natural systems (for instance, snail-periphyton interactions in streams) the equilibrium periphyton biomass has been shown experimentally to be influenced by both snail numbers and levels of available limiting nutrient in the water. Hypothesizing that the observed patchiness in periphyton in streams may be part of the explanation for the departure of behavior of the equilibrium biomasses from predictions of the prey-dependent response of the snail-periphyton system, we developed and analyzed a spatially-explicit model of periphyton in which snails were modeled as individuals in their movement and feeding, and periphyton was modeled as patches or spatial cells. Three different assumptions on snail movement were used: (1) random movement between spatial cells, (2) tracking by snails of local abundances of periphyton, and (3) delayed departure of snails from cells to reduce costs associated with movement. Of these assumptions, only the third strategy, based on an herbivore strategy of staying in one patch until local periphyton biomass concentration falls below a certain threshold amount, produced results in which both periphyton and snail biomass increased with nutrient input. Thus, if data are averaged spatially over the whole system, we expect that a ratio-dependent functional response may be observed if the herbivore behaves according to the third assumption. Both random movement and delayed cell departure had the result that spatial heterogeneity of periphyton increased with nutrient input.
Color stability of glandless cottonseed oil

The color stability of oil extracted from glandless cottonseed contaminated with various levels of glanded cottonseed was studied. The rate of darkening in bleached color of cottonseed oil during storage was proportional to the original glanded cottonseed or gossypol content in the oil and to time and temperature of storage. Glandless cottonseed with 0–10% glanded seed contamination, as might be expected in commercial production of glandless cotton, yielded oil with equivalent or better color when conventionally refined and bleached after 30 days storage at 25 to 40 C than miscella refined oil from glanded cottonseed. This indicates that new oil mills for extracting glandless cottonseed need not invest in miscella-refining units in order to produce high quality oil.
Corrections to scaling in the specific heat of Cu(NH4)2Br4·2H2O near Tc

Abstract The specific heat of the Heisenberg ferromagnet Cu(NH 4 ) 2 Br 4 ·2H 2 O has been measured with high resolution near T c . The data outside the ‘rounded’ region are consistent with power law behavior including first order corrections to scaling: C R = ( A α )t −α (1 + Dt x ) + B . The fitted parameters agree well with predictions for a 3-dim Heisenberg model with short range interactions.
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) for the neuromuscular correction of excessive gingival display on smiling (gummy smile).

Introduction: Previously, botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) (Botox; Allergan, Irvine, Calif) was shown to be effective in reducing excessive gingival display in 5 patients with gummy smiles. This study was conducted to determine whether the doses and the primary injection sites used in the pilot study for the correction of gummy smiles provide consistent, statistically significant, and esthetically pleasing results. Methods: Thirty patients received BTX-A injections to reduce excessive gingival display. Gingival display was defined as the difference between the lower margin of the upper lip and the superior margin of the right incisor. Patients were followed at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks postinjection, with changes documented by photographs and videos. At week 2, the patients rated the effects of BTX-A. A group of specialty clinicians also evaluated the effects of BTX-A. Results: Preinjection gingival display averaged 5.2 ± 1.4 mm in the 30 patients. At 2 weeks postinjection, mean gingival display had declined to 0.09 mm (± 1.06 mm) in 30 patients (t = 26.01, P Conclusions: BTX-A injections for the neuromuscular correction of gummy smiles caused by hyperfunctional upper lip elevator muscles was effective and statistically superior to baseline smiles, although the effect is transitory.
The morphology and independent origin of ovoviviparity in Tiphobia and Lavigeria (Caenogastropoda: Cerithioidea: Paludomidae) from Lake Tanganyika

Abstract To better understand the diversification of the endemic thalassoid (i.e. marine-like) cerithioidean gastropods of Lake Tanganyika, as well as the origin and significance of brooding among lake species, we here redescribe the anatomy and ontogeny of the ovoviviparous Tiphobia horei from Lake Tanganyika and compare it to that of Lavigeria sp. A, representing another ovoviviparous lake clade that has acquired a uterine brood pouch independently. Within the phylogenetic framework provided by recent molecular analyses, the distant relation of these two taxa is corroborated by many external and internal anatomical differences. Comparison of the brood pouches demonstrates that they each bear unique features consistent with their independent modification for brooding. Despite representing functionally analogous structures, they also share several similarities in organization likely representing symplesiomorphies of the Lake Tanganyika species flock. The ontogeny is characterized by the presence of a velum and by delayed calcification producing a characteristically wrinkled embryonic cap. Comparison with other brooding cerithioideans reveals that T. horei and Lavigeria sp. A retain many more embryos than other freshwater cerithioideans of comparable size with a uterine brood pouch, possibly facilitated by the presence of longitudinal lamellae. Compartmentalization of the oviduct and delayed calcification is strongly linked to the brooding of embryos.
Popular sovereignty and the historical origin of the social movement

This article seeks to explain why the social movement had its historical origin in the 1760s. It argues that the rise of the social movement as a particular form of political action was closely linked to a new interpretation of sovereignty that emerged within eighteenth century British politics. This interpretation, which drew inspiration from Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s social contract thinking, not only resonated with the radicalism of John Wilkes and his followers’ struggle to promote civil liberties to Englishmen of all classes, it also spurred a transformation of the repertoire of popular contention. The article traces the evolution of the concept of sovereignty in British political thought from the Restoration to the Wilkites and discusses how this evolution informed the contentious actions of the Wilkites as they formed the first mass movement to promote a specific political issue.
Managing Community and Neighborhood Partnerships in a Community-Based Nursing Curriculum

A community-based undergraduate nursing program in a liberal arts college sought to establish partnerships with area neighborhoods to enhance the educational process of the program and the health of the neighborhoods. With the full financial and emotional support of the college administration, two unique positions were developed within the nursing department: community partnership coordinator (CPC) and neighborhood coordinator. The CPC works at the greater community level with involvement in area-wide community health ventures to provide a liaison to the community for the nursing department. The CPC coordinates area-wide student experiences, provides oversight to the community-based participatory research process, and expands scholarly opportunities for students and faculty. In addition, a neighborhood coordinator for each of the three underserved, ethnically diverse partnering neighborhoods provides an ongoing presence in the neighborhood, coordinating and teaching students as they have practicum experiences within the neighborhood. The neighborhood coordinator is also intimately involved in the neighborhood, maintaining professional relationships with neighborhood residents, leaders, agency representatives, and health care professionals. Discussion of how challenges of the roles were managed is included.