cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Anesthesia and Surgery in People 100 Years of Age and Older

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of anesthesia and surgery for men and women 100 years of age and older. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study in the 20-year time period from 1975 to 1994, with follow-up through 1995. SETTING: Mayo-affiliated hospitals and Olmsted Community Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS: All men and women 100 years of age and older who underwent surgery at a participating hospital. MEASUREMENTS: Forty-eight-hour and 30-day perioperative morbidity and mortality; long-term survival. RESULTS: Thirty-one men and women aged 100 to 107 years underwent 42 procedures. One major complication (3%) within 48 hours was observed. The 48-hour, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates were 0%, 16.1%, and 35.5%, respectively. When compared with survival rates for age-, gender-, and calendar year of birth-matched peers from the general population, the survival rate for centenarians who underwent surgery and anesthesia was comparable to the rate expected. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that people 100 years of age and older who have operable diseases or injuries should not be denied surgical interventions because of perceived risks associated with their advanced age. J Am Geriatr Soc 46:988–993, 1998.
Mutational analysis of the TrkA gene in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND TrkA, the high affinity, tyrosine kinase receptor for nerve growth factor (NGF) has been implicated as an oncogene in several neoplasms. In prostate cancer, inhibitors of the NGF/TrkA signal pathway results in tumor growth inhibition. In contrast, inhibition of this trk pathway in the normal prostate produces no effect. One explanation for this difference between normal and malignant prostate is that TrkA is mutated in prostate cancer, changing its function. To test this possibility human primary prostate cancers were screened for evidence of mutations in the TrkA gene to identify how this gene might be activated in prostate cancer. METHODS Single-strand conformation polymorphism was used to screen genomic DNA, isolated from 42 human primary prostate cancers. In samples in which an aberrant banding pattern was identified, the screen was repeated using both the tumor DNA and DNA isolated from normal tissue of the same patients. Genetic changes were confirmed by direct sequencing of the aberrantly migrating bands. RESULTS Although somatic mutations were not identified in any of the exons screened, four polymorphisms were detected in three different exons. Some of these polymorphisms occurred in the majority of the patients screened, but their frequencies were similar when compared with DNA isolated from a control group. CONCLUSIONS Genetic mutations of TrkA do not seem to play a significant role in activation of this pathway in prostate cancer. However, the absence of mutations in otherwise genetically unstable prostate tumor DNA suggests that intact NGF/TrkA pathways may be important in prostate cancer development. Prostate 36:172–180, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Noncommutative analogs of probabilistic notions and results

Abstract Considering a random variable as a multiplication operator by a measurable function, a natural generalization consists in allowing noncommuting and unbounded operators defined on a common invariant domain with cyclic vector φ. By multiplication and addition, these operators generate a ∗-algebra which in turn can be considered as a representation π of an abstract ∗-(tensor) algebra. Moments are replaced by m ( a 1 ··· a n ) = 〈 φ , π ( a 1 ) ··· π ( a n ) φ 〉. In analogy to the classical case the notions of cumulants, addition of independent random variables, and infinite divisibility are introduced, as well as Gaussianness as a generalization of normal random variables. Previous results are briefly reviewed, including a characterization of infinite divisibility. Among the new results are noncommutative analogs of versions of the central limit theorem and of Cramer's theorem. All results have direct applications to representations of Lie algebras, to quantum field theory, and to statistical mechanics.
ASKing the kids: how children view their abilities after perinatal stroke.

A total of 19 children with a history of perinatal stroke were asked how they saw their own motor abilities and disabilities using the Activities Scale for Kids (ASK) performance and capability questionnaires. The median ASK performance score was significantly lower (86.7) than the median ASK capability score (93.4; P = .03), suggesting children felt they were not doing everything they were capable of doing. Performance and capability total scores were not associated with gender or stroke type; lower performance and capability scores were associated with cerebral palsy. Within groups, performance scores were significantly lower than capability scores in girls (P = .02), children with presumed perinatal stroke (P = .02), children with unilateral stroke (P = .02), and children with large versus small branch unilateral middle cerebral artery stroke (P = .03). Further work is needed to understand why these children’s performance does not match perceived capability.
Dispersion properties of the out-of-plane transverse wave in a two-dimensional Coulomb crystal.

The formation of a two-dimensional (2D) Coulomb crystal in a typical experimental environment was simulated with a computer code called BOX_TREE. The dispersion properties of a novel dust lattice wave (DLW) mode, the out-of-plane transverse wave, were obtained. The dispersion relation was determined to be an opticlike inverse dispersion when wave number $k$ is lower than a critical value ${k}_{\mathrm{critical}},$ and a positive dispersion when $kg{k}_{\mathrm{critical}}.$ The negative group velocity of the wave for $kl{k}_{\mathrm{critical}}$ depends on the \ensuremath{\kappa} value (with $\ensuremath{\kappa}=a/{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{D},$ where $a$ is the interparticle spacing and ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{D}$ is the Debye length) and the positive group velocity for $kg{k}_{\mathrm{critical}}$ depends on the propagation direction. The value of ${k}_{\mathrm{critical}}$ depends on both \ensuremath{\kappa} and propagation direction, but changes very little for all propagation directions and the range of \ensuremath{\kappa} investigated. An analytical method has also been used to derive the dispersion relations assuming a hexagonal 2D lattice and Yukawa interparticle potential. These dispersion relations compare favorably with the simulation results. The dispersion relation for a 1D string was also obtained via BOX_TREE simulation and shown to agree with the analytical result given by Vladimirov [Physica A 315, 222 (2002)]. Comparison shows that the out-of-plane transverse DLW in a 2D lattice when $kl{k}_{\mathrm{critical}}$ has a negative group velocity much larger than that of the 1D string, given the same particle parameters and operating environment. Again ${k}_{\mathrm{critical}}$ for 1D string and 2D lattice are in the same range.
Sterility of Drosophila with Mutations in the Bloom Syndrome Gene--Complementation by Ku70

The Drosophila Dmblm locus is a homolog of the human Bloom syndrome gene, which encodes a helicase of the RECQ family. We show that Dmblm is identical to mus309, a locus originally identified in a mutagen-sensitivity screen. One mus309 allele, which carries a stop codon between two of the helicase motifs, causes partial male sterility and complete female sterility. Mutant males produce an excess of XY sperm and nullo sperm, consistent with a high frequency of nondisjunction and/or chromosome loss. These phenotypes of mus309 suggest that Dmblm functions in DNA double-strand break repair. The mutant Dmblm phenotypes were partially rescued by an extra copy of the DNA repair gene Ku70, indicating that the two genes functionally interact in vivo.
Widespread occurrence of phage-encoded exotoxin genes in terrestrial and aquatic environments in Southern California.

Many human diseases are caused by pathogens that produce exotoxins. The genes that encode these exotoxins are frequently encoded by mobile DNA elements such as plasmids or phage. Mobile DNA elements can move exotoxin genes among microbial hosts, converting avirulent bacteria into pathogens. Phage and bacteria from water, soil, and sediment environments represent a potential reservoir of phage- and plasmid-encoded exotoxin genes. The genes encoding exotoxins that are the causes of cholera, diphtheria, enterohemorrhagic diarrhea, and Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning were found in soil, sediment, and water samples by standard PCR assays from locations where the human diseases are uncommon or nonexistent. On average, at least one of the target exotoxin genes was detected in ∼15% of the more than 300 environmental samples tested. The results of standard PCR assays were confirmed by quantitative PCR (QPCR) and Southern dot blot analyses. Agreement between the results of the standard PCR and QPCR ranged from 63% to 84%; and the agreement between standard PCR and Southern dot blots ranged from 50% to 66%. Both the cholera and shiga exotoxin genes were also found in the free phage DNA fraction. The results indicate that phage-encoded exotoxin genes are widespread and mobile in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
The Relative Efficacy of Various Dimensions of the Self-Concept in Predicting Academic Achievement

Extensive efforts have recently been made to improve the prediction of college academic success by the addition of non-intellective variables to cognitive predictors. Variables studied, alone or in combination with cognitive predictors, have included personality variables [e.g., Grace (1957); Faunce (1966)]; motivational variables [e.g., Aiken (1964); Reed (1968)]; biographical characteristics [e.g., Astin (1964)] and the interaction of characteristics of the individual and characteristics of the environment [e.g., Astin (1964); Newman (1965); Nasatir (1963)]. An additional non-cognitive domain of variables studied are those referred to as "self-concept" variables. The self-concept, representing the individual's general attitude toward himself, is presumed to be a more global variable than specific personality traits, and hence of potential in improving the prediction of academic success. Results of studies relating measures of self-concept to academic success are conflicting. Some studies [e.g., Irwin (1967); Denham (1966); Lum (1960); Stevens (1956); Wyer (1965)] support the hypothesis that measures of self-concept predict academic success; other studies [e.g., Buchin (1965); Cook (1959); Mitchell (1959); Borislow (1962) ] do not. These conflicting results are in part due to the many operational definitions of self-concept employed. The same instruments are employed to measure different self-constructs, and the same constructs are measured by different instruments. The existing literature does not afford an understanding of the dimensionality of the self-concept.
Smart aggregates: multi-functional sensors for concrete structures—a tutorial and a review

This paper summarizes the authors' recent pioneering research work in piezoceramic-based smart aggregates and their innovative applications in concrete civil structures. The basic operating principle of smart aggregates is first introduced. The proposed smart aggregate is formed by embedding a waterproof piezoelectric patch with lead wires into a small concrete block. The proposed smart aggregates are multi-functional and can perform three major tasks: early-age concrete strength monitoring, impact detection and structural health monitoring. The proposed smart aggregates are embedded into the desired location before the casting of the concrete structure. The concrete strength development is monitored by observing the high frequency harmonic wave response of the smart aggregate. Impact on the concrete structure is detected by observing the open-circuit voltage of the piezoceramic patch in the smart aggregate. For structural health monitoring purposes, a smart aggregate-based active sensing system is designed for the concrete structure. Wavelet packet analysis is used as a signal-processing tool to analyze the sensor signal. A damage index based on the wavelet packet analysis is used to determine the structural health status. To better describe the time-history and location information of damage, two types of damage index matrices are proposed: a sensor-history damage index matrix and an actuator–sensor damage index matrix. To demonstrate the multi-functionality of the proposed smart aggregates, different types of concrete structures have been used as test objects, including concrete bridge bent-caps, concrete cylinders and a concrete frame. Experimental results have verified the effectiveness and the multi-functionality of the proposed smart aggregates. The multi-functional smart aggregates have the potential to be applied to the comprehensive monitoring of concrete structures from their earliest stages and throughout their lifetime.
αBB: A global optimization method for general constrained nonconvex problems

A branch and bound global optimization method,αBB, for general continuous optimization problems involving nonconvexities in the objective function and/or constraints is presented. The nonconvexities are categorized as being either of special structure or generic. A convex relaxation of the original nonconvex problem is obtained by (i) replacing all nonconvex terms of special structure (i.e. bilinear, fractional, signomial) with customized tight convex lower bounding functions and (ii) by utilizing the α parameter as defined in [17] to underestimate nonconvex terms of generic structure. The proposed branch and bound type algorithm attains finitee-convergence to the global minimum through the successive subdivision of the original region and the subsequent solution of a series of nonlinear convex minimization problems. The global optimization method,αBB, is implemented in C and tested on a variety of example problems.
L^4-norms of the holomorphic dihedral forms of large level

Let \(\widetilde{f}\) be an \(L^2\)-normalized holomorphic dihedral form of prime level \(q\) and fixed weight. We show that, for any \(\varepsilon >0,\) $$\begin{aligned} \Vert \widetilde{f} \Vert _4^4 \ll _{\varepsilon }q^{-\frac{11}{12}-\frac{1}{3}\delta + \varepsilon }, \end{aligned}$$ for some \(\delta >0\).
Integrating frequency and magnitude information in decision-making in schizophrenia: An account of patient performance on the Iowa Gambling Task.

Abstract Background The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT; Bechara et al., 1994) has frequently been used to assess risky decision making in clinical populations, including patients with schizophrenia (SZ). Poor performance on the IGT is often attributed to reduced sensitivity to punishment, which contrasts with recent findings from reinforcement learning studies in schizophrenia. Methods In order to investigate possible sources of IGT performance deficits in SZ patients, we combined data from the IGT from 59 SZ patients and 43 demographically-matched controls with data from the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) in the same participants. Our analyses sought to specifically uncover the role of punishment sensitivity and delineate the capacity to integrate frequency and magnitude information in decision-making under risk. Results Although SZ patients, on average, made more choices from disadvantageous decks than controls did on the IGT, they avoided decks with frequent punishments at a rate similar to controls. Patients also exhibited excessive loss-avoidance behavior on the BART. Conclusions We argue that, rather than stemming from reduced sensitivity to negative consequences, performance deficits on the IGT in SZ patients are more likely the result of a reinforcement learning deficit, specifically involving the integration of frequencies and magnitudes of rewards and punishments in the trial-by-trial estimation of expected value.
On Sociocultural Evolution by Social Selection

The essay criticizes an alleged new paradigm for explaining sociocultural change: selectionism. Part one describes the general selectionist explanatory schema, which selectionists claim applies to realms beyond the biological, in particular, the sociocultural. Part two focuses on the way most selectionists, in focusing on cultural change alone, wrongly separate culture from society. Particular atten-tion is paid to the accounts these selectionists offer of human action. Part three fills out a conception of the sociocultural, the need for which is indicated by the arguments of the previous section. Part four then criticizes existing social (as opposed to cultural) selectionist accounts of sociocultural change, again focusing on the role of human action. The conclusion is that selectionism does not offer a new explanatory paradigm, but is only a label for a class of accounts that highlight the role of contextualized agency in explaining social change.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Reduces Crescentic and Necrotic Glomerular Lesions, Reactive Oxygen Production, and MCP1 Production in Murine Lupus Nephritis

Systemic lupus erythematosus, in both animal models and in humans, is characterized by autoantibody production followed by immune complex deposition in target tissues. Ensuing target organ damage is modulated by reactive intermediates, including reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, through as of now incompletely understood mechanisms. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase is known to impact vascular reactivity; however its impact on reactive intermediate production and inflammatory renal disease is less well defined. In this study, we assessed the impact of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) on disease in lupus prone MRL/lpr mice. Mice lacking eNOS developed earlier more severe disease with decreased survival. eNOS deficient mice died sooner and developed significantly more glomerular crescents, necrosis, inflammatory infiltrates and vasculitis, indicating a role for eNOS in modulating these renal lesions. Immune complex deposition was similar between groups, indicating the impact of eNOS is distal to antibody/complement glomerular deposition. Urinary nitric oxide production was decreased in the eNOS deficient mice, while proteinuria was increased. Urinary monocyte chemotactic protein-1 was also increased in the knockout mice. CD4+ T cells from MRL/lpr mice demonstrated mitochondrial hyperpolarization, increased nitric oxide and superoxide production and increased calcium flux compared to B6 control mice. Deficiency of eNOS resulted in decreased nitric oxide and mitochondrial calcium levels but had no effect on mitochondrial hyperpolarization. Renal cortices from MRL/lpr mice that are eNOS deficient demonstrated increased superoxide production, which was blocked by both nitric oxide synthase and NADPH oxidase inhibitors. These studies thus demonstrate a key role for eNOS in modulating renal disease in lupus prone MRL/lpr mice. The impact appears to be mediated by effects on superoxide production in the kidney, impacting downstream mediators such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1. These results suggest that modulation of eNOS may be a novel therapeutic approach to treating lupus nephritis.
Mantled and exhumed terrains in Terra Meridiani, Mars

[1] Hematite-bearing deposits in the Terra Meridiani region of Mars constitute the top stratum of a partially eroded layered complex that covers dissected Noachian-aged cratered terrain. The hematite unit consists of dark plains and dunes covering a bright substrate. This substrate is fully exposed beyond the borders of the hematite-bearing deposit and consists of polygonal ground separated by ridges or valleys, together with layered deposits that have been eroded into a variety of landforms. The complex is partially covered by a regional-scale aeolian mantle that thickens toward the north. The hematite-bearing stratum exhibits low albedoes, pulse widths, and intermediate thermal inertias, whereas the underlying unit exhibits high values of these parameters. Both units have spectral emissivity signatures similar to those for the low albedo cratered terrain to the south, with the addition of hematite for the top stratum. The complex is interpreted to consist of extensive plains-forming lava flows and tephra deposits emplaced during an extensional regime and at least partially buried by an aeolian mantle. Aeolian stripping of the mantle exposed much of the complex and differentially eroded the deposits to produce the landforms existent today. Exploration of the hematite-bearing deposits by the 2003 Mars Exploration Rover, “Opportunity,” will allow testing of the hypotheses presented since this stratum has been locally reworked into dunes that only partially cover the underlying brighter portion of the complex. In particular, the rover-based measurements will allow us to test the extent to which the unusual remote-sensing properties of the units indicate aqueous alteration.
Cultural Differences in Reactions to Discrepant Communication

Despite Ralph Waldo Emerson's popular epigram that "consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds," it is an observable fact that man is everywhere engaged in activities, sometimes sober, often frantic, aimed at making his inconsistent behavior appear or become consistent. The premium placed on consistency is reflected in man's religion, politics, law, and - Emerson to the contrary notwithstanding - literature. The extent to which this is operative is summed up by one observer: "The psychological tendency of individuals to seek to integrate into a consistent whole their various attitudes, beliefs, ideals."
Comparing Phase Transition Temperatures of Giant Plasmid Membrane Vesicles with Different Preparation Methods

Giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) are traditionally made by incubating cells with a buffer containing a reducing agent and a low concentration of formaldehyde. When GPMVs are prepared in this way from RBL-2H3 cells, the vesicles appear uniform around physiological temperatures, but phase separate into coexisting liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered phases at lower temperatures. When the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) is used, the GPMVs typically phase separate in the range 15°C - 20°C, where transition temperature is defined as the temperature where half of the vesicles produced by a cell population contain coexisting liquid phases. Significantly lower transition temperatures (typically ∼0C) are found when DTT is replaced with either glutathione or N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), as has been observed previously for the case of NEM (Levental et al. 2010). GPMVs were also prepared using a method that does not utilize either a reducing agent or formaldehyde, but instead uses a hypertonic chloride salt solution that results in the secretion of vesicles similar in size to those of the reducing agent methods (Del Piccolo et al. 2012). GPMVs made in this way have very low transition temperatures, typically <0C. In addition to lower transition temperatures, GPMVs prepared using NEM, glutathione, or through osmotic stress all contain a slightly increased surface fraction of liquid-ordered phase at low temperatures. These results are consistent with the previous conclusion that DTT induces biochemical changes in inner leaflet proteins that result in elevated transition temperatures and a reduced protein partitioning with liquid-ordered phase lipids (Levental et al. 2010).
SEED PRODUCTION AND GERMINATION RESPONSE OF FOUR LOUISIANA POPULATIONS OF UNIOLA PANICULATA (GRAMINEAE)

Sea oats, Uniola paniculata, is a characteristic and often dominant perennial dune grass of the southeastern Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. However, U. paniculata loses its dominance and becomes almost nonexistent along a relatively narrow portion of its range, from west of the Mississippi River delta, Louisiana, through northeastern Texas. In Louisiana, U. paniculata is abundant on the Chandeleur Islands east of the delta, but along the barrier island chain west of the delta only three sizable populations have been identified, all on the Caminada-Moreau coast. We measured seed production and germination response to various moisture and temperature combinations in these populations. Seed production was found to range from one to three orders of magnitude less than what has been reported in areas where U. paniculata is dominant. Rates ranged from 0.091 seeds/spikelet on the Chandeleur Islands to only 0.002 seeds/spikelet on the Caminada-Moreau coast; one population failed to produce any seeds at all. Seed germination in an 18.3-35.0 C alternating thermoperiod was high (6588%) after exposure of the seeds to a variety of pregermination moisture and temperature conditions. Exposure to 4.4 C during imbibition did not increase percentage germination, but did significantly increase the rate of germination over the pregermination treatments that did not include moisture. The very low seed production rates of these populations could explain the limited distribution of this species along the Louisiana coast, where overwash events are frequent, and rates of coastline retreat often exceed the highest measured rates of vegetative
Proton-induced lewis acidity of unsaturated iridium amides.

Oxidation of Cp*Ir((rac-TsDPEN)H (DPEN = H2NCHPhCHPhNTs) with Cp2FePF6 or Ph3CPF6 in MeCN solution generates [Cp*Ir(TsDPEN)(NCMe)]PF6 ([1H(NCMe)]PF6) together with H2 and Ph3CH, respectively. Labeling studies revealed that the Ir−H was abstracted. The formation of a transient electrophilic species is implicated by the formation of a cyclometalated derivative. The labile species [1H(NCMe)]+ was also obtained by protonation of the diamido derivative Cp*Ir(TsDPEN−H) (1) in MeCN solution (BArF4- = B(C6H3-3,5-(CF3)2)4-). The unsaturated, “naked” cation [1H]BArF4 can be prepared by protonation of 1 with H(OEt2)2BArF4 in CH2Cl2 solution or by thermal elimination of MeCN from [1H(NCMe)]+. Crystallographic analysis confirms the structure of this 16e cation in [1H]BArF4. The formally unsaturated species 1 and [1H]BArF4 have strongly contrasting Lewis acidities, with the cation binding PPh3, CO, and NH3. 1 does not measurably bind these same ligands. [1H]BArF4 is reactive toward H2, at least in the absence of inhibi...
171 EFFECT OF LIQUID HEPARIN CN PC02 MEASUREMENT IN MICRO BLOOD SAMPLES

Anticoagulation of micro blood samples with large volumes of liquid Na heparin (LSH) affects the accuracy of PCO2 measurement. To estimate the magnitude of this effect we measured PCO2, varying the CO2 level, sample size and type of heparin. Whole blood was equilibrated to three levels of CO2 concentration: 7% (PCO2≅50 torr), 5% (≅35 torr) 2% (≅16 torr). Samples of .25ml, .35ml and .50ml were drawn into tuberculin syringes containing either dead space LSH (wet), dry crystal heparin (dry), or no heparin (NO). 203 samples were analyzed on a Corning 168 Blood gas Analyzer, and a weighted linear statistical model was fit to the data. PCO2 was found to depend on heparin treatment (p<0.0002), PCO2 (p<0.0001), and their interaction. (p<0.0012). Because of this interaction, separate multiple comparisons were performed at each PCO2 level and differences in mean PCO2 between heparin treatments were estimated. (p<0.05=*Scheffe's test). We find that although the use of LSH does result in a lower PCO2 measurement, especially at PCO2 levels ≅ 50mmHg, limitation of LSH to dead space volume and use of blood sample of 0.25-50ml, results in no clinically important inaccuracies.
On response of initially stressed structures to random excitations

Abstract This work is intended to provide a tool to the design engineer who is dealing with the design of structures subjected to random excitations. In order to increase the usefulness of the tool, other than linearly elastic behavior, no practical limitation is imposed as far as the type, geometry, support conditions, and material are concerned. The dynamic equilibrium equations of the initially stressed structures are obtained in discrete form with the finite element method and the associated Hamiltonian. These equations may be solved in the usual way by finding first the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors of the “free vibrations”, within the frequency range of the expected excitations, and then uncoupling the equations by the normalized eigenvectors. The damping may be represented by the percent of critical damping of the related modeshapes. The uncoupled equations may be handled in the frequency domain by finding the power spectral density functions associated with the random excitations. For this purpose an improved version of the ELAS program is taken to generate stiffness matrices. The program is modified to produce mass and geometric matrices. For the eigenvalue extraction problem, a new algorithm is developed which uses a combination of the inverse iteration with shifts method in conjunction with the Sturm Sequence property. The power spectral density functions of the random, ergodic stationary excitations may be either input or they may be obtained from the histograms of the excitations. The program exploits fully, the symmetry and variable bandwidth property of the assembled matrices, both during the decomposition, and also during the eigenvalue extraction. The input format of the ELAS program is almost left intact. With this software, it is also possible to handle linear buckling and equilibrium problems of the structures. The term structures here means two or three-dimensional trusses, two or three-dimensional frames, gridworks plates, shells (with or without bending), two or three-dimensional elasticity problems, shells of revolution (with or without bending), and solids or revolution.
Explaining the Special Case of Incongruity in Advertising: Combining Classic Theoretical Approaches

In order to assess the effectiveness of an advertisement employing incongruity, it would be most helpful to determine when and how incongruity is likely to be processed by consumers and the nature of the response it is likely to evoke. By combining the tenets of two classic processing theories, Petty and Cacioppo’s Elaboration Likelihood Model (1981, 1986) and Mandler’s Schema Incongruity Theory (1982), this article develops an integrative framework for better understanding viewer responses to incongruity.
On the structure of H/sup /spl infin// controllers

In this paper we study the structure of two block H/sup /spl infin// controllers, for unstable SISO distributed plants. The authors previously showed (1993) that all H/sup /spl infin// controllers can be expressed in terms of (i) inner and outer parts of the plant, (ii) a finite dimensional spectral factor obtained from the weighting functions, and (iii) a rational function satisfying certain interpolation conditions. For a class of infinite dimensional plants, we show that if we have "full information" about external signals, then the controller can be implemented using rational transfer functions. The problem of finding a stable (i.e. strongly stabilizing) H/sup /spl infin// controller is also investigated here. By studying this controller structure, a procedure for obtaining finite dimensional H/sup /spl infin// suboptimal controllers is also derived. >
Knowledge of Pharmacokinetics and the Anesthesia Control Loop

Pharmacokinetics plays an important role in the delivery of anesthesia. Their complex nature creates a challenging control task for anesthesiologists while delivering anesthesia. The anesthesia domain confronts many known control difficulties such as non-linearity, oscillations, and sub-optimal feedback. A clinician’s understanding of pharmacokinetics plays an important role in tracking performance. Information about anesthesiologists’ knowledge of pharmacokinetics was collected and analyzed. Effects of expertise and considerable variability, even within groups, were observed in the collected data. Reducing variability and supporting the tracking task in the administration of anesthesia could lead to improved patient outcomes.
Modeling disease‐state transition heterogeneity through Bayesian variable selection

In many diseases, Markov transition models are useful in describing transitions between discrete disease states. Often the probability of transitioning from one state to another varies widely across subjects. This heterogeneity is driven, in part, by a possibly unknown number of previous disease states and by potentially complex relationships between clinical data and these states. We propose use of Bayesian variable selection in Markov transition models to allow estimation of subject-specific transition probabilities. Our approach simultaneously estimates the order of the Markov process and the transition-specific covariate effects. The methods are assessed using simulation studies and applied to model disease-state transition on the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from the Partners MS Center in Boston, MA. The proposed methodology is shown to accurately identify complex covariate-transition relationships in simulations and identifies a clinically significant interaction between relapse history and EDSS history in MS patients.
The effects of an anxiety sensitivity intervention on insomnia symptoms.

Abstract Objective Recent work suggests a link between a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor, anxiety sensitivity (AS), and sleep disturbance. Although research has indicated that AS is malleable through brief interventions, no studies have yet examined whether interventions targeting AS will reduce symptoms of insomnia. Considering this gap in previous research, the current study tested the direct and indirect effects of a brief, computerized intervention targeting AS on self-reported insomnia symptoms. Methods Community participants ( N = 97) were randomized into either the AS intervention (consisting of psychoeducation and interoceptive exposure) or a health information control condition, and they were assessed at baseline and at 1-month follow-up. Results Findings indicated that symptoms of insomnia were related to AS and its subfactors at baseline and follow-up. Moreover, there was an indirect effect of the treatment on insomnia symptoms through AS and its subfactors, which held after covarying for baseline symptoms of anxiety and depression. Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest that targeting AS may be a brief and effective way to reduce symptoms of insomnia, but it should be replicated in a clinical sample of individuals with a diagnosis of insomnia disorder.
Toward a Sustainable Myth of Self An Existential Response to the Postmodern Condition

The self has come under considerable attack in postmodern times. Amidst many deconstructions and reformulations of the self, various myths of self have lost their sustainability. This article reviews various theoretical perspectives on the self along with many postmodern challenges to the self. It is proposed that the self is a socially constructed entity which can be conceptualized from a variety of perspectives; however, not all myths of self are equal. In particular, premodern and modern myths of self are inadequate for postmodern times. Building from an existential–integrative perspective, we propose Schneider’s paradoxical self as a promising myth of self for postmodern times.
Role of Vision and Mechanoreception in Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius L. Behavior

The role of olfactory cues such as carbon dioxide, pheromones, and kairomones in bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. behavior has been demonstrated. However, the role of vision and mechanoreception in bed bug behavior is poorly understood. We investigated bed bug vision by determining their responses to different colors, vertical objects, and their ability to detect colors and vertical objects under low and complete dark conditions. Results show black and red paper harborages are preferred compared to yellow, green, blue, and white harborages. A bed bug trapping device with a black or red exterior surface was significantly more attractive to bed bugs than that with a white exterior surface. Bed bugs exhibited strong orientation behavior toward vertical objects. The height (15 vs. 30 cm tall) and color (brown vs. black) of the vertical object had no significant effect on orientation behavior of bed bugs. Bed bugs could differentiate color and detect vertical objects at very low background light conditions, but not in complete darkness. Bed bug preference to different substrate textures (mechanoreception) was also explored. Bed bugs preferred dyed tape compared to painted tape, textured painted plastic, and felt. These results revealed that substrate color, presence of vertical objects, and substrate texture affect host-seeking and harborage-searching behavior of bed bugs. Bed bugs may use a combination of vision, mechanoreception, and chemoreception to locate hosts and seek harborages.
Distributed Nonlinear Effects in Planar Transmission Lines

We present calculations of the third-order intercepts for planar transmission lines that contain a distributed nonlinear inductance or capacitance. We model such a transmission line as a series of small nonlinear elements that interact only weakly. This approach allows us to use simple lumped-element models to describe nonlinear effects in transmission lines longer than the effective wavelength. We use this approach to calculate the third-order intercepts for a lossless transmission line, and also for a transmission line with finite attenuation. Calculations for the lossless case agree well with third-harmonic measurements of high temperature superconducting transmission lines as a function of line length. For transmission lines with loss, the calculations agree well with third-harmonic measurements of transmission lines of variable length incorporating ferroelectric thin films.
Serotonin system gene polymorphisms are associated with impulsivity in a context dependent manner

Abstract Impulsivity is a risk factor for adverse outcomes and characterizes several psychiatric disorders and risk for suicide. There is strong evidence that genetic variation influences individual differences in impulsivity, but the details are not yet understood. There is growing interest in better understanding the context dependency of genetic effects that is reflected in studies examining gender specificity, gene × environment interaction and epistasis (gene–gene interaction). In a cross-sectional study we examined whether polymorphisms in six serotonin system candidate genes and the experience of early life trauma (age 0–12) were associated with individual differences in impulsivity in a non-clinical sample of Caucasian university students (N = 424). We specifically tested potential gender specific, gene–gene, and gene × environment (early life trauma) effects. In our main analyses with Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) total score, there were significant (i.e. p
Effects of randomized supplementation of methionine or alanine on cysteine and glutathione production during the early phase of treatment of children with edematous malnutrition

Background: We have shown that a low glutathione concentration and synthesis rate in erythrocytes are associated with a shortage of protein-derived cysteine in children with edematous severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Objective: We tested the hypothesis that methionine supplementation may increase protein-derived cysteine and upregulate cysteine synthesis, thereby improving glutathione synthesis during the early treatment of edematous SAM. Design: The cysteine flux, its de novo synthesis and release from protein breakdown, and erythrocyte glutathione synthesis rate were measured in 12 children with edematous SAM in the fed state by using stable isotope tracers at 3 clinical phases as follows: 3 6 1d( 6SE) [clinical phase 1 (CP1)], 8 6 1 d [clinical phase 2 (CP2)], and 14 6 2 d (clinical phase 3) after admission. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive equimolar supplements (0.5 mmol $ kg 21 $ d 21 ) of methionine or alanine (control) immediately after CP1. Results: In the methionine compared with the alanine group, cysteine flux derived from protein breakdown was faster at CP2 than CP1 (P , 0.05), and the change in plasma cysteine concentration from CP1 to CP2 was greater (P , 0.05). However, there was no evidence of a difference in cysteine de novo synthesis and its total flux or erythrocyte glutathione synthesis rate and concentration between groups. Conclusions: Methionine supplementation increased cysteine flux from body protein but had no significant effect on glutathione synthesis rates. Although cysteine is made from methionine, increased dietary cysteine may be necessary to partially fulfill its demand in edematous SAM because glutathione synthesis rates and concentrations were less than previous values shown at full recovery. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00473031. Am J Clin Nutr 2014;99:1052‐8.
Food insecurity and subsequent weight gain in women.

ObjectiveCross-sectional data indicate that a relationship between household food insecurity and overweight exists among women in the USA. Cross-sectional data cannot determine if food insecurity leads to overweight as some have hypothesised. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of food insecurity with subsequent weight gain in women using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID).Design, setting and subjectsPanel data from the 1999 and 2001 PSID, a nationally representative sample of households, were analysed using multivariate regression procedures.ResultsAverage weight gain among all women (n = 5595) was 1.1 kg on average over the two years. There were no significant differences in the percentages of women who gained a clinically significant amount (2.3 kg) by food insecurity status. Overweight women who were on a weight-gain trajectory during the 2-year period gained less if they were food-insecure. This relationship was not observed among healthy-weight or obese women.ConclusionsOverall, food insecurity does not appear to be strongly associated with subsequent weight gain in women.
Application of a strip-yield model to predict crack growth under variable-amplitude and spectrum loading – Part 2: Middle-crack-tension specimens

Abstract In previous work, fatigue-crack-growth tests were conducted on middle-crack tension, M ( T ), and compact, C ( T ), specimens made from the same D16Cz (clad) aluminum alloy sheet. These tests were conducted over a wide range of stress ratios ( R = P min / P max = −0.5 to 0.75) to generate crack-growth-rate data from threshold to near fracture. These tests were used to generate the effective stress-intensity factor range (Δ K eff ) against rate curve using a crack-closure model. The analyses collapsed the rate data from both specimen types into a fairly narrow band over many orders of magnitude in rates using proper constraint factors. Constraint factors were established from single-spike overload and the constant-amplitude tests. Herein, the life-prediction code, FASTRAN, which is based on the strip-yield model concept, was used to calculate the crack-length-against-cycles under constant-amplitude (CA) loading and the single-spike overload (OL) tests; and to predict crack growth under variable-amplitude (VA) loading and simulated aircraft loading spectrum tests on the M ( T ) specimens. The calculated crack-growth lives under CA and an OL tests were generally within ±20% of the test results, but slower crack growth under the double-shear fatigue mode, rather than single shear, may be the reason for some of the larger differences. The predicted crack-growth lives for the VA and Mini-Falstaff spectrum tests were also short by 25–45%. A modified model with some assumed notch constraint effects matched the spectrum tests quite well. Issues on the crack-starter-notch effects under spectrum loading are discussed, and recommendations are suggested on avoiding these notch effects.
Genetic Analysis of Genome-Scale Recombination Rate Evolution in House Mice

The rate of meiotic recombination varies markedly between species and among individuals. Classical genetic experiments demonstrated a heritable component to population variation in recombination rate, and specific sequence variants that contribute to recombination rate differences between individuals have recently been identified. Despite these advances, the genetic basis of species divergence in recombination rate remains unexplored. Using a cytological assay that allows direct in situ imaging of recombination events in spermatocytes, we report a large (∼30%) difference in global recombination rate between males of two closely related house mouse subspecies (Mus musculus musculus and M. m. castaneus). To characterize the genetic basis of this recombination rate divergence, we generated an F2 panel of inter-subspecific hybrid males (n = 276) from an intercross between wild-derived inbred strains CAST/EiJ (M. m. castaneus) and PWD/PhJ (M. m. musculus). We uncover considerable heritable variation for recombination rate among males from this mapping population. Much of the F2 variance for recombination rate and a substantial portion of the difference in recombination rate between the parental strains is explained by eight moderate- to large-effect quantitative trait loci, including two transgressive loci on the X chromosome. In contrast to the rapid evolution observed in males, female CAST/EiJ and PWD/PhJ animals show minimal divergence in recombination rate (∼5%). The existence of loci on the X chromosome suggests a genetic mechanism to explain this male-biased evolution. Our results provide an initial map of the genetic changes underlying subspecies differences in genome-scale recombination rate and underscore the power of the house mouse system for understanding the evolution of this trait.
Plasma thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels in spontaneously metamorphosing Rana catesbeiana tadpoles and in adult anuran amphibia.

We have developed sensitive and reliable radioimmunoassays for T4 and T3 in amphibian plasma and have used these procedures to measure plasma T4 and T3 levels in spontaneously developing Rana catesbeiana tadpoles at various stages of metamorphosis. During premetamorphosis circulating levels of both T4 and T3 were below the limits of detection of the RIA procedures (T4 < 50 ng/100 ml, T;,<5 ng/100 ml). A gradual rise in plasma T:i and T4 became apparent during prometamorphosis, and at the onset of metamorphic climax the levels of both T4 and T.t increased sharply. Peak levels for both hormones were observed in the middle of metamorphic climax (stage XXIII). The circulating T:i level reached a mean peak of 78 ng/100 ml, at least 15 times greater than the level during premetamorphosis. The peak T4 level was 0.5 jug/100 ml, about a 10-fold increase over the premetamorphosis level. The surge in thyroid hormone secretion lasted only for several days, and during the latter half of metamorphic climax there was a ...
Utilizing an A3 Report Format for a Technical Review at the End of a Cornerstone Design Course

The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the advantages of implementing an alternative technical review technique in an engineering design course. Historically formal design reviews associated with the Cornerstone Design course have utilized a Power Point type of presentation for evaluation of a design project status. A case study will be presented involving the use of a project summary report for a comprehensive design project review based on a Toyota management communication tool known as the “A3 Report”. The objectives for utilizing the this report format as an alternative to the presentation format were to require project team members to integrate their individual sub-system designs into their final system proposal, identify the critical aspects of their design, and prepare for detailed questions regarding their design. Conclusions and recommendations from the perspective of both the instructors and the students will be presented, including points of concern with the implementation. CORNERSTONE DESIGN COURSE BACKGROUND Cornerstone Design Project Lab is a two credit hour Mechanical Engineering course offered at the Rochester Institute of Technology in the third year of a five year program. Students meet four hours a week for ten weeks. The Project Summary Report developed from the A3 report format discussed within this paper was initially implemented in two sections of the course in the fall of 2008.