cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A process-based approach to exploring the information behavior of informal caregivers of people living with dementia.

Abstract Introduction and purpose Informal caregivers of persons living with dementia have significant unmet information needs that, if met, would better equip them to provide effective care. Despite the existence of health information technologies, websites, resources, and organizations dedicated to dementia caregiving, caregivers continue to report unmet information needs. Caregivers’ continued unmet information needs suggest a misalignment between information products, and caregivers’ information behavior—how caregivers generate, acquire, manage, use, communicate, and seek information. Researchers have developed conceptual models for understanding caregivers’ information behavior, but these models are limited in that they are task-oriented, and they assume that caregivers’ information needs will be met if they engage in information behavior. To address these limitations, the present study sought to explore caregivers’ information behavior as a sociotechnical-systems-based process. Methods We conduced semi-structured interviews with 30 self-identified caregivers to explore their daily experience of caregiving activities, including their information behavior. We applied a process-based conceptual framework that takes into account inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback mechanisms within a sociotechnical system to guide analysis. The process of interest was caregivers’ information behavior as modeled by the information-seeking and communication model (ISCM). We conducted a deductive content analysis guided by the components of the ISCM. We then used team-based affinity diagramming to collapse and categorize the ISCM components into inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback. Results We developed a conceptual model to depict caregivers’ information behavior as a sociotechnical-systems-based process of inputs, processes, and outputs that feedback into the system. The conceptual model consisted of three inputs (i.e., information users, information providers, and information products), three information seeking and communication processes (i.e., information access, information interaction, and information assessment and processing), two outputs (i.e., utility and credibility), and feedback. Discussion and conclusion Building on and addressing the gaps in previous information behavior models, our conceptual framework advances the previous task-level understandings of caregivers’ information behavior into a comprehensive feedback-driven, process-level perspective consisting of context-based inputs, information seeking and communication processes, outputs, and feedback. A sociotechnical-systems-based understanding of caregivers’ information behavior allows for misalignments between information providers and products, and caregivers’ information behavior not only to be illuminated, but systematically addressed.
Beliefs on COVID-19 Among Electronic Cigarette Users: Behavioral Responses and Implications for COVID Prevention and E-Cigarette Interventions

E-cigarette users’ beliefs about COVID-19 may shape their responses to the pandemic and their e-cigarette consumption. A U.S. national cross-sectional survey of 562 e-cigarette users was conducted ...
Virtual Recruitment is Here to Stay: 2020 ID Fellowship Program and Matched Applicant Recruitment Experiences

Background Graduate Medical Education training programs transitioned to all-virtual recruitment in 2020. Few data have been published regarding the consequences of this transition. We desired to understand (1) infectious diseases (ID) fellowship programs’ recruitment efforts and the effect of virtual recruitment on application and interview numbers, and (2) the number of programs to which matched applicants applied and interviewed, and their perspectives on virtual recruitment. Methods In 2020-21 we surveyed all United States ID fellowship program directors (PDs) and matched applicants. Descriptive data analysis was performed on quantitative survey items. Free-text responses were analyzed through a quantitative content analysis approach. Results PD response rate was 68/158 (43%); applicant response rate was at least 23% (85/365). PDs reported a 27% increase in mean number of applications received and a 45% increase in mean number of applicants interviewed. Applicants especially valued online program structure information, PD program overview videos, fellow testimonials, didactic and curriculum content, and current fellow profiles. Most applicants preferred interviews lasting no more than 40 minutes and interview days lasting no more than 5 hours. Nearly all (60/64, 94%) PDs adequately learned about candidates; most (48/64, 75%) felt unable to showcase their program as well as when in-person. Most PDs (54/64, 84%) and applicants (56/73, 77%) want at least an option for virtual recruitment moving forward. Conclusions Virtual recruitment enabled programs to accommodate more applicants and highlighted applicants’ preferences for programs’ augmented online presences and time-limited interview days. Most programs and applicants want the option for virtual interviews. Main Points Virtual recruitment enables programs to accommodate more applicants. Applicants value programs’ augmented online presences and favor time-limited interview days. Most programs and applicants prefer in-person interviews and want at least an option for virtual interviews.
Unmet health care needs and health care quality in youth with autism spectrum disorder with and without intellectual disability.

Research indicates that youth with autism spectrum disorder often experience unmet health care needs and receive poorer quality of care. Intellectual disability commonly co-occurs with autism spect...
Understanding the microstructural stability in a γ′-strengthened Ni-Fe-Cr-Al-Ti alloy

Abstract Ni-Fe-Cr-Al-Ti alloys, with Ni levels of about 45 at% have the potential to develop a microstructure consisting of a face-centered cubic (γ) matrix with homogeneously precipitated, nanoscale ordered γ′ precipitates similar to that found in traditional Ni-based superalloys with a significantly greater Ni content. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, and CALPHAD-based thermodynamic modeling were employed to determine the phase stabilities and microstructural evolution in an age-hardenable 44.56Ni-26.6Fe-19.2Cr-1.0Co-3.4Al-4.4Ti-0.7Mo-0.14 C (at%) alloy. The primary heat treatment of solution annealing at 1121 °C for 4 h followed by age-hardening at 760 °C for 16 h resulted in a microstructure consisting of fine γ′ precipitates in an austenitic matrix along with grain boundary precipitates of carbides and other minor phases. Long-term aging at 900 °C for 250 h resulted in the coarsening of γ′ precipitates along with a change in the morphology from an initial spherical to a more cuboidal shape. In addition, the formation of plate-like η phase precipitates was observed, concomitant with the partial dissolution of the γ′ phase. The ability of computational thermodynamic models to predict microstructural characteristics is discussed.
Ideological parsimony

The theoretical virtue of parsimony values the minimizing of theoretical commitments, but theoretical commitments come in two kinds: ontological and ideological. While the ontological commitments of a theory are the entities it posits, a theory’s ideological commitments are the primitive concepts it employs. Here, I show how we can extend the distinction between quantitative and qualitative parsimony, commonly drawn regarding ontological commitments, to the domain of ideological commitments. I then argue that qualitative ideological parsimony is a theoretical virtue. My defense proceeds by demonstrating the merits of qualitative ideological parsimony and by showing how the qualitative conception of ideological parsimony undermines two notable arguments from ideological parsimony: David Lewis’ defense of modal realism and Ted Sider’s defense of mereological nihilism.
Wrinkling of Interfacial Layers in Stratified Composites

O DOI: 10.1002/adem.201200387 M M U Wrinkling of Interfacial Layers in Stratified Composites** N IC By Yaning Li,y Narges Kaynia,y Stephan Rudykh and Mary C. Boyce* A T IO N Many structured composites in nature possess undulating and wrinkled interfacial layers that regulate mechanical, chemical, acoustic, adhesive, thermal, electrical, and optical functions, and also serve to reveal underlying physiological mechanisms in the diagnosis of diseases. As one example, the wavy layers of the silvery reflectors around the eyes of squid (L. Pealeii) facilitate broadband reflectance and result in silvery iridescence, providing inspiration for creating composite structures with different optical functions. Another example is the wavy elastica lamellae embedded in soft muscle in arterial walls which provides a diagnostic signature for disease. The degree of the elastica lamellae undulation was found to be significantly greater in persons with coronary artery disease compared to that found in the non-coronary disease group. Hence, understanding the mechanism governing the waveform formation can provide clues to other underlying structural, bio-chemical and mechanical changes. Furthermore, the ability to actively alter the interface structure can enable on-demand tunability of these attributes and functions to provide, for example, active control of wave propagation phenomenon (e.g., phononic and photonic), mechanical stiffness and deformation, and material swelling and growth. In this investigation, we explore the mechanisms of the formation of wrinkled interfaces in soft multi-layered composites through experiments, analytical models and numerical simulations. Instabilities have been a subject of study in a number of composite material systems where structural mechanics approaches, energy methods, and Bloch wave analyses, have been found to predict this complex phenomenon. The main objective of this paper is to explore and predict instabilities in the interfacial layers of layered composites (details are provided in Supporting Information S1–S3). Prototypes of soft multi-layered polymer composites are
Neurologists warn about link between chiropractic, stroke

More than 60 Canadian neurologists have issued a statement warning that chiropractic neck manipulation can cause stroke and death. The neurologists and the Canadian Stroke Consortium caution that chiropractic manipulation involving the neck can cause arterial dissection. They make 6 recommendations
Structure in the E2 quasicontinuum spectrum of 154Dy.

The evolution of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ quasicontinuum spectrum with neutron number has been investigated in the sequence of isotopes $^{152,154,156}\mathrm{Dy}$. The three nuclei display a pronounced collective $E2$ component. In $^{154}\mathrm{Dy}$ this component shows a splitting into two distinct parts, signifying a structural change along the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ cascade above the yrast line. The $E2$ and statistical components are reproduced in simple $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-cascade calculations; in $^{152}\mathrm{Dy}$ and $^{156}\mathrm{Dy}$ only rotational bands are included, whereas in $^{154}\mathrm{Dy}$ additional vibration-like transitions are required to reproduce the two $E2$ peaks.
Comparison of total energy expenditure between school and summer months.

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject Childhood obesity has increased 3 to 4 fold. Some children gain excess weight in summer. What this study adds Total energy expenditure increases almost linearly with fat-free mass. A lower total energy expenditure was not detected in summer. Objective Recent data report that the youth experience greater weight gain during summer than during school months. We tested the hypothesis that a difference in total energy expenditure (TEE) between school and summer months exists and may contribute to summer weight gain. Subjects and methods A secondary analysis was performed on cross-sectional TEE data from school-age, sedentary African–American and Caucasian youth based in or near the District of Columbia who were at-risk for adult obesity because they had body mass index (BMI) ≥ 85th percentile or had overweight parents. TEE was estimated from 18-O and deuterium measurements during 1-week intervals using urine samples collected after ingestion of doubly labelled water. Differences in summer- and school-time TEE were assessed using analysis of covariance. The data were adjusted for fat-free mass (FFM) as determined by deuterium dilution to adjust for the effect of body size on TEE. Results Data were collected from 162 youth (average age 10 ± 2 years, BMI 28 ± 8 kg m−2 and BMI z-score 1.96 + 0.96). Of these, 96 youth had TEE measured during the school year (September–June); 66 different youths had TEE measured during summer months (June–August). After adjustment for FFM, average summertime TEE was 2450 ± 270 kcal d−1 and average school-time TEE was 2510 ± 350 kcal d−1 (P = 0.26). Conclusion No difference in TEE was detected between the school year and the summer months. These data suggest that seasonal differences in youth weight gain are not necessarily due to differences in energy expenditures.
The Future of Voting Rights Policy: From Anti-Discrimination to the Right to Vote

Congress is now considering whether to renew the Voting Rights Act. This essay suggests that Congress will seek to avoid any of the difficult issues inevitably presented concerning how federal law should regulate voting rights in today's context. Though critical issues concerning American democracy are at stake, and the renewal process is the moment at which the nation should focus on voting rights, there is no constituency, inside Congress or outside, to raise the serious policy issues that should be addressed. Instead, Congress appears to prefer to renew the relevant provisions largely in their current form, as quietly as possible, while avoiding any hard questions. Doing so not only abdicates policymaking responsibility, it increases the likelihood that the Supreme Court will later find the renewed Act to be unconstitutional. This essay raises the questions that Congress should address. There are two distinct models for national legislation to protect voting rights. The model of the VRA selectively targets certain areas of the country (9 states, several counties and towns), for a unique form of unusually intensive federal oversight. In essence, these areas are put into a form of federal receivership regarding any changes they might make in anything related to voting, ranging from the design of their congressional districts to the hours these areas keep their polls open. Congress might tinker at the margins with this model, but the more fundamental question is whether this selective-targeting approach continues to be the best way to protect voting rights, including minority voting rights, in today's context. An alternative model for doing so would directly protect the right to vote as such, through uniform, national legislation, rather than singling out particular areas of the country for unique protections. This alternative is reflected in laws that post-date the Voting Rights Act, such as the Help America Vote Act and the National Motor Voter Registration Act. This essay suggests that this alternative model - national, uniform laws to protect the right to vote as such - is better suited to the problems of voting rights today than the model of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which was well designed for the era in which it was created but is less well suited to the problems of today. Yet Congress will likely simply renew the Act, perhaps with modifications at the margins, but essentially in its present form. Difficult questions will be hushed over. The voting rights community will proclaim victory, but this victory will be largely symbolic - the preservation of a past that is increasingly irrelevant and tangential to the main issues. Possibly, that is the only sort of victory available. But the policymaking process will generate no serious discussion of whether the philosophy of Section 5 of the VRA continues to make sense today, with no adjustment at all from 1982, when Congress last considered the Act - or, even more importantly, of what philosophy and approach to voting rights might now be more effective.
Multiple esophageal webs

The case of a patient with numerous web-like constrictions involving the entire body of the esophagus is presented. The appearance is unlike any previously described for esophageal webs and rings. No known etiologic factors could be implicated and we have no speculations as to the cause.
Recognition and treatment of depression in a family medicine practice

To test the hypothesis that depression is significantly underdiagnosed in general medical settings, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was administered to 1,086 family medicine outpatients seen during a 12-month period before their initial medical examination. The effects of such screening on clinical recognition and treatment of depression were examined. Of the 1,086 patients, 143 (13.2%) were symptomatically depressed. These patients were randomized into two groups: 102 were identified as clinically depressed to their physician, and the remaining 41 were not (control group). Physicians diagnosed depression in 15% of the control group and in 68% of the identified group. At 4-week follow-up, 64% of the identified patients who were treated with maprotiline (16 of 25) showed improvement; only 28% of the identified patients who were electively not treated improved. Improvement occurred in only 18% of the control group. It appears that the diagnosis of depression is not ordinarily made in family medicine outpatient settings and that self-rating depression scales are useful diagnostic aids, whose regular use is indicated by the high prevalence of depression in general medical populations.
“I Didn’t Want to Look Stupid”: Exploring the Impact of an All-Women Leisure Education Class

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The social norms surrounding gender impact the types of leisure pursuits in which females tend to participate (Freysinger, Shaw, Henderson, & Bialeschki, 2013). Single-sex classes have been utilized and examined in K-12 education settings (Gurian, Stevens, & Daniels, 2009), but have largely been ignored in relation to leisure education. Leisure education courses are aimed at building a foundation for lifelong leisure and provide an environment that may be conducive to helping women resist social gender expectations (Datillo, 2008). Research has yet to explore how women’s participation in single-sex leisure education courses may influence their participation in leisure activities dominated by men such as hunting. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of college students participating in an all-women leisure education hunting course. Researchers conducted focus groups and individual interviews with 32 female students at a mid-sized university in the southeast over a two-year period. Results indicate that an all-women leisure education course may act as a facilitator to leisure participation by allowing participants to avoid embarrassment, providing a less competitive and intimidating environment for participation and by providing opportunities for participant bonding. In addition, single-sex leisure education environments may affect females’ perceptions of leisure activities dominated by men. These findings are shaped by leisure education goals including self-confidence, social interaction, and leisure awareness. The findings of this study provide a number of implications for professional practice. First, as a way to help participants avoid feeling “stupid” as they learn new skills, it is important for practitioners to consider modifications to programming formats for leisure education including single-sex classes. In addition, beyond offering single-sex options, agencies may need to consider the instructors’ sex and experiences with varying populations to ensure participants will feel as comfortable as possible. Next, professionals should focus on programmatic offerings in which participation rates among women are low to better understand factors that may be impacting their involvement. This evaluation should include programs that may be seen as the “norm” in the specific region or culture the agency serves, such as a hunting course in the south. Doing so may help to diversify the participant base for leisure programs dominated by men. Finally, the results of this study indicate that single-sex offerings may be most beneficial in beginner level courses, especially when the goals of leisure education models are taken into consideration. Thus, practitioners should focus efforts at providing single sex opportunities for entry-level programs to heighten first-time participation by women.
Genomic history and gene family evolution in angiosperms: challenges and opportunities.

Whole genome duplications (WGD) have been a frequent occurrence during the evolution of angiosperms, providing all gene families the opportunity to grow and diversify. Most of this potential growth
Calculation of a Tape-Wound Transformer Leakage Inductance Using the MEC Model

Leakage inductance is one of the most important aspects of transformer design. Herein, the calculation of the leakage inductance of core-type tape-wound transformers is considered in the context of a magnetic equivalent circuit-based analysis used to support optimization-based design. In optimization-based design, numerical efficiency is critical since 105–106 evaluations may be conducted. Thus, this paper presents a computationally efficient method to compute leakage inductances. The method is based on analytical calculation of the field intensity using Ampere's law in the noncore regions of the devices. The predictions of the proposed method are shown to be more consistent with the predictions of a 3-D finite-element analysis than other documented approaches.
A shared, segmented memory system for an object-oriented database

This paper describes the basic data model of an object-oriented database and the basic architecture of the system implementing it. In particular, a secondary storage segmentation scheme and a transaction-processing scheme are discussed. The segmentation scheme allows for arbitrary clustering of objects, including duplicates. The transaction scheme allows for many different sharing protocols ranging from those that enforce serializability to those that are nonserializable and require communication with the server only on demand. The interaction of these two features is described such that segment-level transfer and object-level locking is achieved.
Assembly of the archaeal box C/D sRNP can occur via alternative pathways and requires temperature-facilitated sRNA remodeling.

Abstract Archaeal dual-guide box C/D small nucleolar RNA-like RNAs (sRNAs) bind three core proteins in sequential order at both terminal box C/D and internal C′/D′ motifs to assemble two ribonuclear protein (RNP) complexes active in guiding nucleotide methylation. Experiments have investigated the process of box C/D sRNP assembly and the resultant changes in sRNA structure or “remodeling” as a consequence of sRNP core protein binding. Hierarchical assembly of the Methanocaldococcus jannaschii sR8 box C/D sRNP is a temperature-dependent process with binding of L7 and Nop56/58 core proteins to the sRNA requiring elevated temperature to facilitate necessary RNA structural dynamics. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and RNA thermal denaturation revealed an increased order and stability of sRNA folded structure as a result of L7 binding. Subsequent binding of the Nop56/58 and fibrillarin core proteins to the L7–sRNA complex further remodeled sRNA structure. Assessment of sR8 guide region accessibility using complementary RNA oligonucleotide probes revealed significant changes in guide region structure during sRNP assembly. A second dual-guide box C/D sRNA from M. jannaschii, sR6, also exhibited RNA remodeling during temperature-dependent sRNP assembly, although core protein binding was affected by sR6′s distinct folded structure. Interestingly, the sR6 sRNP followed an alternative assembly pathway, with both guide regions being continuously exposed during sRNP assembly. Further experiments using sR8 mutants possessing alternative guide regions demonstrated that sRNA folded structure induced by specific guide sequences impacted the sRNP assembly pathway. Nevertheless, assembled sRNPs were active for sRNA-guided methylation independent of the pathway followed. Thus, RNA remodeling appears to be a common and requisite feature of archaeal dual-guide box C/D sRNP assembly and formation of the mature sRNP can follow different assembly pathways in generating catalytically active complexes.
Prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms and complications due to NSAIDs.

The mechanisms by which aspirin(ASA) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause gastrointestinal symptoms are poorly understood. They probably arise from several causes, including direct and indirect mucosal injury, exacerbation of underlying peptic ulcer disease or non-ulcer dyspepsia, exacerbation of Helicobacter pylori gastritis, and possibly motility disorders. No single form of therapy has been generally successful. Because, in most cases, symptoms abate fairly rapidly with continued treatment, there is little evidence that benefit associated with any symptom-directed drug therapy is superior to placebo beyond 4 weeks. Exceptions may be the subsets of patients with pre-existing ulcer disease or heartburn, exacerbated by the NSAID therapy, who usually benefit from acid-suppressive drug treatment. Different NSAIDs vary in the frequency with which their use leads to gastrointestinal(GI) complications such as haemorrhage, perforation, obstruction, or the symptomatic ulcers from which about 40% of the complications arise. Most gastroduodenal ulcers heal over time, albeit more slowly, with conventional doses of any of the available anti-ulcer drugs. Maintenance therapy may be needed in many patients who continue NSAID therapy. Anti-ulcer drugs have not, thus far, been shown to be more effective than placebo in preventing ulcer complications or their recurrence. The use of COX-2-selective inhibitors appears, in outcome studies, to reduce gastrointestinal bleeding, including bleeding from ulcers, but it is not established that the ulcers protected were caused by NSAIDs, as distinct from ulcers exacerbating or recurring from antecedent peptic ulcer disease. To-date, perforation or obstruction have not been shown to be affected by selective COX-2 inhibitor drugs. If the major problem giving rise to severe NSAID complications is pre-existing peptic ulcer disease, it may yet emerge that the most effective approach will be the use of proton pump inhibitor drugs, for the duration of NSAID therapy, in a small subset of high-risk patients. Most other low-risk patients may not need any special care. Co-morbid conditions have a major impact on outcome of NSAID therapy. Morbidity or even death attributable solely to NSAIDs is probably small in normal patients, and requires little in the way of prophylaxis.
Presentation, response to lansoprazole therapy, and outcome of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome-like gastric acid hypersecretors.

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the clinical characteristics, response to treatment and outcome of Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES)-like gastric acid hypersecretors. Methods. Over a 20-year period, patients with gastric acid hypersecretion in the absence of ZES were enrolled in an open label prospective trial evaluating the efficacy of lansoprazole. Following baseline evaluations, patients were treated with escalating doses of lansoprazole based on the results of gastric acid analysis. Following stabilization, patients were followed on a 6 monthly basis with interval history, physical examination, endoscopy with gastric biopsies, gastric acid analysis, and laboratory studies. Results. The study group represented 21 patients (median age 47 years, 86% male, 91% Caucasian). Historically, complicated ulcer disease was frequent and symptoms had been present for a median of 10 years before study entry. All patients responded to lansoprazole (median dose 90 mg/day) with excellent control of gastric acid hypersec...
An Approximate Method to Determine Lateral Force on Piles or Piers Installed to Support a Structure through Sliding Soil Mass

Piles and drilled shafts are commonly used to stabilize potentially unstable natural and engineered slopes. Estimation of lateral pressures on piles or shafts used to stabilize potentially unstable sites continues to be a fundamental problem in geotechnical engineering. Several methods are available to estimate the lateral force on piles or drilled shafts used to stabilize a site. An approximate procedure to estimate the lateral force on drilled shafts supporting structures, i.e., installed at relatively large spacings on a potentially unstable site with a fixed slip surface is proposed, which is based on a widely referred theory of plastic deformation. Lateral pressures estimated using the method proposed show good agreement with a more rigorous method, which in turn has been reported to provide results close to field measurements. An approximate procedure to estimate a limiting (maximum) value of lateral pressure on shafts or piles when they are installed at close spacings is also proposed. Although, the limiting pressures estimated using the approximate procedure are in agreement with the pressures calculated using more rigorous method, verification of both methods with field measurements is recommended.
Wall morphology, blood flow and wall shear stress: MR findings in patients with peripheral artery disease

To investigate the influence of atherosclerotic plaques on femoral haemodynamics assessed by two-dimensional (2D) phase-contrast (PC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with three-directional velocity encoding. During 1 year, patients with peripheral artery disease and an ankle brachial index <1.00 were enrolled. After institutional review board approval and written informed consent, 44 patients (age, 70 ± 12 years) underwent common femoral artery MRI. Patients with contra-indications for MRI were excluded. Sequences included 2D time-of-flight, proton-density, T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI. Electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated 2D PC-MRI with 3D velocity encoding was acquired. A radiologist classified images in five categories. Blood flow, velocity and wall shear stress (WSS) along the vessel circumference were quantified from the PC-MRI data. The acquired images were of good quality for interpretation. There were no image quality problems related to poor ECG-gating or slice positioning. Velocities, oscillatory shear stress and total flow were similar between patients with normal arteries and wall thickening/plaque. Patients with plaques demonstrated regionally increased peak systolic WSS and enhanced WSS eccentricity. Combined multi-contrast morphological imaging of the peripheral arterial wall with PC-MRI with three-directional velocity encoding is a feasible technique. Further study is needed to determine whether flow is an appropriate marker for altered endothelial cell function, vascular remodelling and plaque progression. • Femoral plaques are associated with altered dynamics of peripheral blood flow. • Multi-contrast MRI can investigate the presence and type of atherosclerotic plaques. • Three-dimensional velocity-encoding phase-contrast MRI can investigate flow and wall shear stress. • Atherosclerotic peripheral arteries demonstrate increased systolic velocities and wall shear stress.
Insights into the Structural Basis of Endogenous Agonist Activation of Family B G Protein-Coupled Receptors

Agonist drugs targeting the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor represent important additions to the clinical management of patients with diabetes mellitus. In the current report, we have explored whether the recently described concept of a receptor-active endogenous agonist sequence within the amino terminus of the secretin receptor may also be applicable to the GLP1 receptor. If so, this could provide a lead for the development of additional small molecule agonists targeting this and other important family members. Indeed, the region of the GLP1 receptor analogous to that containing the active WDN within the secretin receptor was found to possess full agonist activity at the GLP1 receptor. The minimal fragment within this region that had full agonist activity was NRTFD. Despite having no primary sequence identity with the WDN, it was also active at the secretin receptor, where it had similar potency and efficacy to WDN, suggesting common structural features. Molecular modeling demonstrated that an intradomain salt bridge between the side chains of arginine and aspartate could yield similarities in structure with cyclic WDN. This directly supports the relevance of the endogenous agonist concept to the GLP1 receptor and provides new insights into the rational development and refinement of new types of drugs activating this important receptor.
Gene transfer to the rhesus monkey brain using SV40-derived vectors is durable and safe

Gene transfer to central nervous system (CNS) has been approached using various vectors. Recombinant SV40-derived vectors (rSV40s) transduce human neurons and microglia effectively in vitro and in rodent brains in vivo, so we tested rSV40s gene transfer to rhesus monkey CNS in vivo, to characterize the distribution, duration and safety of such gene delivery. We used rSV40s carrying HIV-1 RevM10 with a carboxyl-terminal AU1 epitope tag as a marker, and others with the antioxidant enzymes, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Vectors were injected stereotaxically into the caudate nucleus. Transgene expression was studied at 1 and 6 months by immunostaining serial brain sections. After intraparenchymal administration, numerous transgene-expressing cells were seen, with a longitudinal extent of 20 mm. In neurons and, more rarely, microglial cells, transgene expression remained strong throughout the 6-month study period. Astrocytes and oligodendroglia were not transduced. No evidence of inflammation or tissue damage was observed. SV40-derived vectors may thus be useful for long-term gene expression in the monkey brain and, potentially, in the human brain.
Implementation of Logic

In the development of computer programs for automatic checkout and the simplification of switching networks, certain simple logical routines occur frequently. Only a few such routines are needed to cover a large number of situations. A concise list or catalog of such routines is given in this paper. The shortest and simplest of these routines are called micro-programs. Somewhat more involved routines applying one or more micro-programs are given also. The use of the micro-programs and the more involved routines in automatic checkout is discussed.
Nonpathological and Pathological Narcissism: Which Self-Reported Characteristics Are Most Problematic in Adolescents?

Prior research indicates that dimensions of adolescent narcissism differ in their associations with indicators of positive and negative psychological functioning (e.g., Barry, Frick, Adler, & Grafeman, 2007 ; Barry & Wallace, 2010 ). This study investigated correlates of 2 empirically derived factors of adolescent narcissism (i.e., pathological and nonpathological narcissism) from 2 measures thought to differ based on their inclusion of pathological versus nonpathological content. In a sample of 188 at-risk adolescents ages 16 to 18, pathological narcissism was associated with various indicators of maladjustment, including aggression, low self-esteem, internalizing problems, and poor perceived interpersonal relationships. On the other hand, nonpathological narcissism was positively associated with self-esteem and aggression but negatively associated with internalizing problems. The implications for the conceptualization of adolescent narcissism are discussed.
Changes of elbow muscle moment arms after total elbow arthroplasty

The changes of muscle moment arms on the elbow during simulated active motion were calculated from the simultaneous kinematic and tendon excursion in six cadaver specimens. The results after four different Coonrad-Morrey total elbow arthroplasty positions of implantation were compared with those of the intact elbow. With optimal total elbow arthroplasty implantation, the general pattern of change of the muscle moment arms with elbow flexion resembled that of the intact elbow, but with increased flexor dominance over the extensors with elbow flexion. No significant modification of the muscle moment arms was related to the changes of positioning of the implants, except with 60° elbow flexion, a slight increase of the brachialis muscle moment arms with distal placement of the humeral component. The malplacements of the humeral component in varus/valgus or in internal/external rotation were found to significantly affect the muscle moment arms.
Getting at the Root and Stem of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are among the most aggressive and intractable types of cancer. Recent studies indicate that brain tumor cells resemble neural stem cells in terms of phenotype, signaling, and behavior in vitro. In light of these similarities, it has been suggested that brain tumors arise from stem cells, that they co-opt stem cell strategies for self-renewal, and even that they contain "cancer stem cells" that are critical for tumor maintenance. We will examine these possibilities and discuss their implications for the understanding and treatment of brain tumors.
Quantum telecommunication based on atomic cascade transitions

A quantum repeater at telecommunications wavelengths with long-lived atomic memory is proposed, and its critical elements are experimentally demonstrated using a cold atomic ensemble. Via atomic cascade emission, an entangled pair of 1.53 microm and 780 nm photons is generated. The former is ideal for long-distance quantum communication, and the latter is naturally suited for mapping to a long-lived atomic memory. Together with our previous demonstration of photonic-to-atomic qubit conversion, both of the essential elements for the proposed telecommunications quantum repeater have now been realized.
Length bias and search limitations in cartesian genetic programming

In this paper we examine how Cartesian Genetic Programming's (CGP's) method for encoding directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) and its mutation operator bias the effective length of individuals as well as the distribution of inactive nodes in the genome. We investigate these biases experimentally using two CGP variants as comparisons: Reorder, a method for shuffling node ordering without effecting individual evaluation, and DAG, a method for removing the concept of node position. Experiments were performed on four problems tailored to highlight potential search limitations, with further testing on the 3-bit multiplier problem.Unlike previous work, our experiments show that CGP has an innate parsimony pressure that makes it very difficult to evolve individuals with a high percentage of active nodes. This bias is particularly prevalent as the length of an individual increases. Furthermore, these problems are compounded by CGP's positional biases which can make some problems effectively unsolvable. Both Reorder and DAG appear to avoid these problems and outperform Normal CGP on preliminary benchmark testing. Finally, these new techniques require more reasonable genome sizes than those suggested in current CGP, with some evidence that solutions are also more terse.
Simulating a virtual fisheye lens for the production of full-dome animations

With the development of new projector systems and high bandwidth computing, dome theaters are emerging that immerse the audience's visual senses with large, 180° field-of-view animations. These theaters are seeking new and exciting custom content from artists, yet the production of such content is technically cumbersome and time-consuming. This paper discusses popular methods for creating 3D dome animations and explains how to implement a virtual fisheye camera lens for commercial 3D rendering packages to simplify the production process. In addition, we provide a method for previewing dome animations in a virtual dome theater using 3D software. Using these techniques, artists can recover technical production time that can be better spent enhancing the overall quality of the final animation.
Genetic epidemiologic methods to screen for matrilineal inheritance in mitochondrial disorders.

We propose a method to screen for the matrilineal inheritance in mitochondrial disorders by comparing the risk of disease in a person whose mother is affected or whose maternal grandmother or aunt or uncle is affected to the risk of disease in a person whose father is affected or whose paternal grandmother or aunt or uncle is affected using a modification of the reconstructed cohort design. Sampling of pedigrees is accomplished via probands and must not be influenced by family history. The cohort of the proband's offspring, and offspring of the proband's siblings, can be analyzed using survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards model, Bonney's [(1986) Biometrics 42:611–625] model, and Liang's [(1991) Genet Epidemiol 8:329–338] model. Mitochondrial transmission can be distinguished from X-linked transmission by examining sex-specific patterns of disease expression in matrilineally transmitted diseases. To illustrate our epidemiologic method, we apply our screening method to pedigrees of two disorders which have been proposed to have a mitochondrial DNA component to their inheritance. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Self-organized Criticality from Separator Reconnection in Solar Flares

A new cellular automaton model for solar flares is presented in which a complex coronal magnetic field is stressed by photospheric shear. The minimum current corona model is used to describe the slow buildup and sudden release of stress in the field. Stress takes the form of currents flowing along the field's network of magnetic separators; it is released by magnetic reconnection. By this model we show how magnetic reconnection can occur as an avalanche, releasing stress along an extended region of the separator network. The model exhibits self-organized criticality; thus the sizes of reconnection avalanches are distributed according to a power law. Flare durations and peak emission levels are also distributed according to power laws, with different exponents. Because the model is derived from the application of magnetohydrodynamics to a coronal field, it is possible to assign physical sizes to its avalanches. These agree well with the sizes and frequencies of observed flares. The total power from flares of all sizes agrees with observation and is therefore well below the inferred coronal heating power.
Synthesis and modification of epoxy‐ and hydroxy‐functional microspheres

This article describes the synthesis and surface modification of epoxy- and hydroxy-functional polymeric microspheres. The functionalized microspheres were synthesized using aqueous and nonaqueous cationic suspension photopolymerizations using multifunctional silicon-containing epoxy monomers with iodonium salt photoinitiators. Although generally solid microspheres were obtained using these techniques, macroporous spheres could be obtained though the use of porogens. Various rapid and facile acid- and base-catalyzed ring-opening addition reactions were performed on the epoxy-functional microspheres. These reactions include the additions of mercaptans, acid chlorides, isocyanates, amines, sodium azide, water, and alcohols. Similar functionalization reactions were performed on the hydroxy-functional microspheres. The particle size and size distribution were determined using scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor the functionalization reactions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 1574–1585, 2005
Comb-based radio-frequency photonic filtering with 20 ns bandwidth reconfiguration

We present a scheme to generate a 10 GHz optical frequency comb that is bandwidth reconfigurable on a time scale of tens of nanoseconds via electronic control of the drive signal to a phase modulator. When such a comb is used as the source for a radio-frequency (RF) photonic filter employing dispersive propagation, the RF filter bandwidth varies in inverse proportion to the optical bandwidth. As a result we are able to demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, bandwidth-reconfigurable RF filtering with transition times under 20 ns. The reconfiguration speed is determined by the response time of a programmable RF variable attenuator.
Constituent picture of two-body scattering at large angles☆

Abstract We develop a quark counting picture for the sizes of wide-angle scattering cross sections in order to illustrate the idea that such scattering is influenced by the pool of hadronic matter provided by the incident particles, and not by the separate identities of those particles. The model predictions provide a background for the interpretation of future experiments.
Postmastectomy Edema and Recurrent Cellulitis: Prevention and Treatment

Edema of the arm with associated recurrent bouts of cellulitis, occurring immediately or as late as twenty years after treatment of breast cancer, has been a very common and major complication since the initiation of surgical treat ment of breast cancer. We now know the cause and have developed methods to prevent and treat the complication.
The crustal heritage of silver and gold ratios in Arizona ores

The ratios of produced grades of silver and gold in ore deposits of Arizona, representing nearly a century of mining, correlate with their geologic setting. The deposits occur south and west of the Colorado Plateaus where two geological domains are recognizable on the basis of type and age of rocks and geological history. The eastern or “Naco” domain has a basement of Proterozoic Pinal Schist, formed from a protolith of mostly clastic sedimentary rocks, and widely scattered younger Proterozoic granites, overlain by Paleozoic platform strata and Mesozoic volcanic and clastic rocks. The “Western Deserts” domain is characterized by an older Proterozoic section of largely submarine volcanic and volcaniclastic strata, together with Proterozoic granites; it is largely devoid of Paleozoic strata, but Mesozoic clastic and volcanic strata are widely exposed. In both domains, middle and late Tertiary volcanic rocks are extensive. Ore deposits of many genetic types, of Proterozoic, Nevadan, Laramide, and younger Tertiary ages, are present; deposits of Laramide and younger Tertiary ages occur in both domains, but deposits of Proterozoic age are confined mostly to the Western Deserts, and those of Nevadan age are restricted to the Naco domain. The ore deposits evolved at different times under different conditions of tectonic stress. The produced grades of silver and gold, and the silver to gold ratios, reveal a bimodal distribution. Most deposits of all epochs and genetic type in the Naco domain show Ag enrichment relative to the ratio of the Ag:Au crustal abundance (clarke ratio) (17.5:1). Except for two Laramide porphyry copper deposits and the Proterozoic massive Cu-Pb-Zn ores, whose ratios are close to the clarke ratio, most other districts of the Western Deserts domain are enriched in gold with respect to the ratio. The regional zoning transgresses ore-deposit type, time, tectonic style, and reported igneous rock types and metal associations. It does not appear to be related to the hypothetical results of subduction processes wherein metals and magmas are directly derived from partial melting of a descending slab of oceanic rocks. Rather, the precious-metal characteristics may represent inheritance from specific kinds of crust.