cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A network model with free-strand dynamics for polymer melts

A network model for polymer melts is presented in which disentangled strands relax under flow conditions and may rejoin the network before complete relaxation. For simplicity, we study Gaussian strands that move affinely when incorporated in the network. Network strands are created and lost according to a time constant λ. Free strands have their dynamics given by the Bird-DeAguiar model as a crude representation of reptation and the hindered rotation experienced by polymer strands in melts. The model yields a shear-thinning viscosity with overshoot in the start-up viscosity η+ (t). The double-step strain results compare well with available experimental data.
Detoxification from benzodiazepines: Schedules and strategies

Management of benzodiazepine (BZD) tolerance is divided into low- and high-dose withdrawal. Low-dose withdrawal includes patients who have received manufacturer-recommended doses of BZD on a daily basis for longer than 1 month. Gradual tapering of the BZD over 4 weeks on an outpatient basis is suggested. High-dose withdrawal includes patients who have been ingesting doses of BZD greater than the equivalent of diazepam 40 mg/d for longer than 8 months. It is recommended that the patients be tolerance tested with diazepam and, if tolerant, tapered off medication as inpatients at a rate of 10% per day. Triazolobenzodiazepines may be exceptions to these recommendations. Alprazolam should be titrated at a rate of 0.5 mg three times a day regardless of whether the patient is being tapered for low- or high-dose withdrawal.
The Abnormal Hepatic Scan of Chronic Liver Disease: Its Relationship to Hepatic Hemodynamics and Colloid Extraction

To help explain the characteristic hepatic scan pattern of chronic liver disease, the degree of scan abnormality (scan score, SS) after administration of technetium-99m sulfur colloid (Tc) was compared with data obtained at hepatic vein catheterization in 28 patients. Although SS showed a correlation with wedged hepatic vein pressure (r = + 0.491), the scan abnormality was not directly due to portal hypertension because it remained unchanged when the latter was relieved by portacaval shunt. Also, the scan abnormality was found to be unrelated to a low hepatic blood flow. Scan abnormality was not attributable primarily to hyperactivity of the reticuloendothelial (RE) cells of the spleen and bone marrow since fractional clearance (K) of Tc from the blood was decreased rather than increased in patients with abnormal scans. SS was inversely correlated with K of Tc (r = −0.575) and with hepatic extraction efficiency for Tc (r = −0.673), showing that the basic abnormality was poor extraction of the colloid by the RE cells of the liver with a resultant increase in the amount available for extrahepatic localization. Indirect evidence suggests that this poor extraction of colloid is due to intrahepatic shunts bypassing hepatic RE cells.
Coronary artery stenoses: assessment with contrast-enhanced electron-beam CT and axial reconstructions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of electron-beam computed tomography (CT) for identification of coronary artery stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coronary angiography and contrast material-enhanced, electrocardiographically triggered electron-beam CT of the heart were performed in 23 patients. With axial CT images and axial maximum intensity projection reconstructions, the coronary arteries were assessed by two observers blinded to the results of angiography. RESULTS: Cardiac motion artifact (unsharpness) precluded evaluation of the right coronary artery (RCA) in six subjects and the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) in one patient. With the vessels degraded by motion artifact eliminated from analysis, overall sensitivity of electron-beam CT for hemodynamically significant stenoses was 88%, and specificity was 79%. In the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), sensitivity was 93% and specificity was 63%; in the LCX, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 67%; and in the RCA, sensitivity ...
Toward the realization of intelligent controls

This is a paper of expository nature reflecting the author's past experiences, his current research efforts, and his aspirations about the future of automatic-control systems. It is not intended to give a quantitative analysis of modern control methodologies, which may be found in the bibliography at the end of the text, but rather emphasize the importance of a growing area in control engineering. Reviewing the classical, optimal, and stochastic control systems, the reader is led into the uncertainties and controversies of adaptive and learning controls. While self-organizing control was proposed for a systematic unification of these most advanced control methodologies, intelligent control--a discipline capable of high-level decision making and task execution--is predicted as the next level of sophistication in the hierarchy of control systems. A case study on a hierarchically intelligent controlled prosthesis, summarized herein, establishes the feasibility of the suggested methodologies. Future applications to other larse scale systems of general or specific scientific interest may prove the importance of such a discipline.
COMPOSITION, QUANTIFICATION, AND PERIODICITY OF SEX PHEROMONE GLAND VOLATILES FROM INDIVIDUAL Heliothis virescens FEMALES

Sex pheromone gland volatiles from individualHeliothis virescens (F.) females were collected and analyzed on an SP-2330 capillary gas-liquid chromatography column for identification and quantification of the compounds emitted. Only four of the seven compounds previously reported as pheromone components appeared consistently in the volatile collections: 14:Ald, Z9-14:Ald, 16:Ald, and Z11-16:Ald. The female glands did not emit the same amounts of these compounds throughout a 24-hr period; they emitted maximum quantities between 6 and 11 hr after the onset of scotophase with the remainder of the photoperiod having minimal emission rates. Although the absolute quantities fluctuated, the percent compositions of the compounds remained about the same throughout the 24-hr period.
Pronounced radiosensitization of cultured human cancer cells by COX inhibitor under acidic microenvironment

Abstract Purpose: To demonstrate the influence of pH on the cytotoxicity and radiosensitization by COX (cyclooxygenase) -1 and -2 inhibitors using established human cancer cells in culture. Methods and Materials: Nonselective COX inhibitor, ibuprofen (IB), and selective COX-2 inhibitor, SC-236, were used to determine the cytotoxicity and radiosensitization at varying pH of culture media. Human colon carcinoma cell line (HT-29) was exposed to the drug alone and in combination with radiation at different pH of the cell culture media. The end point was clonogenic ability of the single-plated cells after the treatment. Results: Cytotoxicity and radiosensitization of IB increased with higher drug concentration and longer exposure time. The most significant radiosensitization was seen with IB (1.5 mM) for 2-h treatment at pH 6.7 before irradiation. The dose-modifying factor as defined by the ratio of radiation doses required to achieve the same effect on cell survival was 1.8 at 10% survival level. In contrast, SC-236 (50 μM for 2–8 h) showed no pH-dependent cytotoxicity. There was modest increase in the cell killing at lower doses of radiation. Conclusion: An acidic pH was an important factor affecting the increased cytotoxicity and radiosensitization by ibuprofen. Radiation response was enhanced at shoulder portion of the cell survival curve by selective COX-2 inhibitor.
Evaluating suitability of a tephra dispersal model as part of a risk assessment framework

In volcanic risk assessment it is necessary to determine the appropriate level of sophistication for a given predictive model within the contexts of multiple sources of uncertainty and coupling between models. A component of volcanic risk assessment for the proposed radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain (Nevada, USA) involves prediction of dispersal of contaminated tephra during violent Strombolian eruptions and the subsequent transport of that tephra toward a hypothetical individual via surface processes. We test the suitability of a simplified model for volcanic plume transport and fallout tephra deposition (ASHPLUME) coupled to a surface sediment-transport model (FAR) that calculates the redistribution of tephra, and in light of inherent uncertainties in the system. The study focuses on two simplifying assumptions in the ASHPLUME model: 1) constant eruptive column height and 2) constant wind speed and direction during an eruption. Variations in tephra dispersal resulting from unsteady column height and wind conditions produced variations up to a factor of two in the concentration of tephra in sediment transported to the control population. However, the effects of watershed geometry and terrain, which control local remobilization of tephra, overprint sensitivities to eruption parameters. Because the combination of models used here shows limited sensitivity to the actual details of ash fall, a simple fall model suffices to estimate tephra mass delivered to the hypothetical individual.
RATE OF FORMATION OF ASSOCIATIONS BY SCHIZOPHRENIC AND NORMAL SUBJECTS AS A FUNCTION OF STIMULUS OR RESPONSE PLACEMENT OF AVERSIVE COMPONENTS

Summary.--This smdy investigated the formation by schizophrenic and nonpsychotic Ss of associations involving neutral and aversive stimulus components in two paired-associate paradigms. Both groups of Ss tended to form associations involving aversive stimuli faster than those involving neutral stimuli in both paradigms. These resulrs were in marked contrast to those of a previous study in which the identical aversive words served as responses. The discrepancies in findings of the two studies were discussed in terms of certain characteristics of aversive words and differential reactions to them. This study examines certain methodological factors relating to the acquisition of stimulus-response associations involving aversive mater~als. Jacobs ( 1955 ) and Laffal ( 1952) reported that college Ss experienced greater difficulty with associations involving aversive components than those involving only neutral ones. It is pertinent to our concerns that both investigators employed 3 conventional paired-associate task in which the critical words serve as response members in each item. The stimuli differed: Laffal used pict~lres, Jacobs nonsense syllables. In our research both stimulus and response terms were two-syllable adjectives selected from the Haagen ( 1749) and Melton and Safir (Hilgard, 175 1 ) lists. Also, in addition to college Ss we employed hospital patients, including schizophrenics. It should be stressed that our primary foals was not on a comparison of rhe performance of the different subject groups but on the intragroup learning patterns relative to the word classes, i.e., neutral or aversive, thac were used. It should be noted thac for college Ss the absolute differences in the acquisition of neutral and emotionally toned associations have been relatively small. Moreover, studies by Dunn ( 1954) and White ( 1949) have been interpreted as indicating that schizophrenics may be uniquely sensitive to aversive material and that they tend to avoid aversive associations. A previous study (Gladis & Wischner, 1962) which compared the acquisition of stimulus-response associations containing neutral and aversive response members indicated that both psychotic and nonpsychotic hospital patients tended to have greater difficulty with associations containing an aversive as compared with a neutral response member. College Ss showed the same trend but to a markedly lesser degree. Of particular significance was the finding chat the degree of difficulty in forming aversive associations was a function of the pairedassociate learning paradigm employed. The difference in the rate of formation of neutral and aversive associations was most dramatically evident with the
A new enhancement layer to improve copper interconnect performance

This study reports the effect of different barrier on Cu interconnect performance. A thin “enhancement” layer of Ru or Co film is deposited between a PVD Ta(N) liner barrier and a Cu seed layer to improve copper to barrier adhesion and copper gap fill. With the enhancement layer of either Ru or Co, no void is found in dual damascene structure with very thin seed. The electrical performance is improved with more than two times of EM lifetime is observed. The seedless electroplating on the enhancement layers capability will maximize the gap fill window.
A postnatal peak in microglial development in the mouse hippocampus is correlated with heightened sensitivity to seizure triggers

Background Explosive synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning occur in the hippocampus during the first two weeks of postnatal life, coincident with a heightened susceptibility to seizures in rodents. To determine the temporal correlation between microglial development and age-dependent susceptibility and response to seizures, we quantified developmental changes in basal microglia levels and seizure-induced microglial activation in the hippocampus of Cx3Cr1GFP/+ transgenic mice. Methods Basal levels of microglia were quantified in the hippocampi of Cx3Cr1GFP /+ mice at P0, P5, P10, P15, P20, P25, P30, P40, and P60. Seizure susceptibility and seizure-induced microglial activation were assessed in response to febrile seizures (lipopolysaccharide followed by hyperthermia) and kainic acid-induced status epilepticus. Results The density of microglia within the hippocampus increased rapidly after birth, reaching a peak during the second week of life – the age at which the animals became most vulnerable to seizure triggers. In addition, this peak of microglial development and seizure vulnerability during the second postnatal week represented the time of maximal seizure-induced microglia activation. Conclusions Overreactive innate immunity mediated by activated microglia may exacerbate acute injury to neuronal synapses and contribute to the long-term epileptogenic effects of early-life seizures. Anti-inflammatory therapy targeting excessive production of inflammatory mediators by activated microglia, therefore, may be an effective age-specific therapeutic strategy to minimize neuronal dysfunction and prevent increases in susceptibility to subsequent seizures in developing animals.
Meta-Analysis of Radial Versus Femoral Access for Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Radial access for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to reduce mortality and vascular complications compared to femoral access in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, efficacy and safety of radial access PCI in non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS) is not well understood. A systematic search of electronic databases was performed through July 2015 to search and identify relevant studies. We evaluated the following short-term outcomes: all-cause mortality, major bleeding, access site bleeding, and need for blood transfusions. In addition, we evaluated 1-year mortality. Studies were pooled using random effects model. Nine studies including a total of 220,126 patients (radial approach: 94,663 patients [43%], femoral approach: 125,463 patients [57%]) were included in the analysis. On pooled analysis, no significant difference in incidence of short-term all-cause mortality was found between radial and femoral access (odds ratio [OR] 0.78, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.07, p = 0.12). Radial access was associated with significant reduction in major bleeding (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.73, p = 0.0002), access-site bleeding (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.78, p = 0.007), and need for blood transfusions (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.91, p = 0.02). Furthermore, the 1-year mortality was significantly lower in radial approach (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.95, p = 0.02). In conclusion, in patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome undergoing PCI, radial access is associated with decreased bleeding and access-site complications.
The Use of Solution Viscosity to Characterize Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Dispersions

Summary: A recent report by Agarwal and coworkers (I. Cotiuga, F. Picchioni, U. S. Agarwal, D. Wouters, J. Loos, P. J. Lemstra, Macromol. Rapid Commun.2006, 27, 1073) has shown that solution viscosity measured in a capillary rheometer can be used to monitor the dispersion quality of SWNTs. They used solution viscosity to determine the optimal sonication time. Their method is compared and contrasted here with other methods used to monitor dispersion quality, and it is argued that it has some advantages over other methods. Specifically, the method of Agarwal and coworkers is quick to apply, and gives a reliable single-parameter measure of the relative quality of a SWNT dispersion. Change in solution viscosity with sonication time and the corresponding nature of the dispersed carbon nanotubes.
Characterization of the cobalamin (vitamin B12) biosynthetic genes of Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract Salmonella typhimurium synthesizes cobalamin (vitamin B12) de novo under anaerobic conditions. Of the 30 cobalamin synthetic genes, 25 are clustered in one operon, cob, and are arranged in three groups, each group encoding enzymes for a biochemically distinct portion of the biosynthetic pathway. We have determined the DNA sequence for the promoter region and the proximal 17.1 kb of the cob operon. This sequence includes 20 translationally coupled genes that encode the enzymes involved in parts I and III of the cobalamin biosynthetic pathway. A comparison of these genes with the cobalamin synthetic genes from Pseudomonas denitrificans allows assignment of likely functions to 12 of the 20 sequenced Salmonella genes. Three additional Salmonella genes encode proteins likely to be involved in the transport of cobalt, a component of vitamin B12. However, not all Salmonella and Pseudomonas cobalamin synthetic genes have apparent homologs in the other species. These differences suggest that the cobalamin biosynthetic pathways differ between the two organisms. The evolution of these genes and their chromosomal positions is discussed.
Crystal structure of Homo sapiens protein LOC79017.

LOC79017 (MW 21.0 kDa, residues 1-188) was annotated as a hypothetical protein encoded by Homo sapiens chromosome 7 open reading frame 24. It was selected as a target by the Center for Eukaryotic Structural Genomics (CESG) because it did not share more than 30% sequence identity with any protein for which the three-dimensional structure is known. The biological function of the protein has not been established yet. Parts of LOC79017 were identified as members of uncharacterized Pfam families (residues 1-95 as PB006073 and residues 104-180 as PB031696). BLAST searches revealed homologues of LOC79017 in many eukaryotes, but none of them have been functionally characterized. Here, we report the crystal structure of H. sapiens protein LOC79017 (UniGene code Hs.530024, UniProt code O75223, CESG target number go.35223).
Optimum complexity reduction of minimum mean square error DS-CDMA receivers

The near-far problem can be the capacity limiting factor for direct-sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) communication systems. The "classical" near-far resistant receivers are multi-user detectors with rather high complexity requirements. In order to reduce the complexity, a class of minimum mean square error (MMSE) receivers was proposed. These receivers typically use an adaptive filter to suppress the multi-user interference. The length of the filter is equal to the number of chips per bit. To further reduce the complexity, several methods that shorten the length of the adaptive filter have been developed. We present a common mathematical framework in which these receivers can be evaluated in terms of their probability of bit error. The form of the optimum complexity reduction is derived. Two new structures are proposed and are shown to outperform previously proposed receivers. >
Characterization of Rhizoctonia-Like Fungi Isolated from Agronomic Crops and Turfgrasses in Mississippi

Tomaso-Peterson, M., and Trevathan, L. E. 2007. Characterization of Rhizoctonia-like fungi isolated from agronomic crops and turfgrasses in Mississippi. Plant Dis. 91:260-265. Twenty-three isolates of Rhizoctonia spp. from agronomic crops and turfgrasses were characterized by cytological and pathological methods in order to establish the identity, pathogenicity, and virulence of Rhizoctonia spp. and anastomosis groups that occur on these hosts in Mississippi. Twelve isolates were identified as R. solani, including the five anastomosis groups (AGs) AG-1IB, AG-2-2, AG-4, AG-5, and AG-13. Rhizoctonia zeae, R. oryzae, and eight binucleate Rhizoctonia sp., including R. cerealis, also were identified. R. solani AG-4 isolates were consistently the most virulent isolates on all hosts in pathogenicity evaluations. Pathogenicity of AG-2-2 and AG-5 isolates, binucleate Rhizoctonia spp., and R. oryzae varied between hosts. Two AG-2-2 isolates from bermudagrass or wheat were determined to be clonal isolates, with numerous selfanastomosis reactions. R. solani (AG-1-IB) was pathogenic on all graminaceous hosts. R. cerealis produced sharp eyespot symptoms on wheat and corn and minimal symptoms on cotton and soybean. This is a first report of R. cerealis as a pathogen of corn. R. zeae isolates were pathogenic on all hosts, including cotton and soybean. These results indicate that a diverse group of Rhizoctonia spp. occurs as pathogens on a wide variety of agronomic crops and turfgrasses in Mississippi.
Recent Trends in the Historiography on Warfare in the Colonial Period (1607–1765)

This essay surveys recent trends (since the mid 1980s) in the historiography on warfare in the Colonial Period (1607–1765). In addition to traditional military history and biography, it focuses on works from the new social military history, ethnohistory, identity studies, and the new frontier and imperial histories. It identifies the current state of the field, as well as areas in need of further research and writing. Teachers can use this essay to contextualize the colonial period’s military history, undergraduate students will find it useful as bibliography/research aid, and graduate students can use it preparing for comprehensive examinations.
Sialic Acid Metabolism and Systemic Pasteurellosis

Pasteurella multocida subsp. multocida is a commensal and opportunistic pathogen of food animals, wildlife, and pets and a zoonotic cause of human infection arising from contacts with these animals. Here, an investigation of multiple serotype A strains demonstrated the occurrence of membrane sialyltransferase. Although P. multocida lacks the genes for the two earliest steps in de novo sialic acid synthesis, adding sialic acid to the growth medium resulted in uptake, activation, and subsequent transfer of sialic acid to a membrane acceptor resembling lipooligosaccharide. Two candidate-activating enzymes with homology to Escherichia coli cytidine 5'-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminate synthetase were overproduced as histidine-tagged polypeptides. The synthetase encoded by pm0187 was at least 37 times more active than the pm1710 gene product, suggesting pm0187 encodes the primary sialic acid cytidylyltransferase in P. multocida. A sialate aldolase (pm1715) mutant unable to initiate dissimilation of internalized sialic acid was not attenuated in the CD-1 mouse model of systemic pasteurellosis, indicating that the nutritional function of sialate catabolism is not required for systemic disease. In contrast, the attenuation of a sialate uptake-deficient mutant supports the essential role in pathogenesis of a sialylation mechanism that is dependent on an environmental (host) supply of sialic acid. The combined results provide the first direct evidence of sialylation by a precursor scavenging mechanism in pasteurellae and of a potential tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic sialate transporter in any species.
Monitoring of HTS Compound Library Quality via a High-Resolution Image Acquisition and Processing Instrument

This report presents the high-resolution image acquisition and processing instrument for compound management applications (HIAPI-CM). The HIAPI-CM combines imaging spectroscopy and machine-vision analysis to perform rapid assessment of high-throughput screening (HTS) compound library quality. It has been customized to detect and classify typical artifacts found in HTS compound library microtiter plates (MTPs). These artifacts include (1) insufficient volume of liquid compound sample, (2) compound precipitation, and (3) colored compounds that interfere with HTS assay detection format readout. The HIAPI-CM is also configured to automatically query and compare its analysis results to data stored in a LIMS or corporate database, aiding in the detection of compound registration errors. To demonstrate its capabilities, several compound plates (n=5760 wells total) containing different artifacts were measured via automated HIAPI-CM analysis, and results compared with those obtained by manual (visual) inspection. In all cases, the instrument demonstrated high fidelity (99.8% empty wells; 100.1% filled wells; 94.4% for partially filled wells; 94.0% for wells containing colored compounds), and in the case of precipitate detection, the HIAPI-CM results significantly exceeded the fidelity of visual observations (220.0%). As described, the HIAPI-CM allows for noninvasive, nondestructive MTP assessment with a diagnostic throughput of about 1min per plate, reducing analytical expenses and improving the quality and stewardship of HTS compound libraries.
Girls as "Weapons of Terror" in Northern Uganda and Sierra Leonean Rebel Fighting Forces

Girls—both willingly and unwillingly—participate in terrorist acts within the context of contemporary wars. These acts range from targeting civilians for torture and killing to destroying community infrastructures so that people's physical and psychological health and survival are affected. Girls witness or participate in acts such as mutilation, human sacrifice, forced cannibalism, drug use, and physical and psychological deprivation. This article focuses upon girls in two fighting forces: the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Sierra Leone and their roles as combatants whose primary strategy is perpetrating terrorist acts against civilians. In analyses of gender and terrorism, girls are typically subsumed under the larger category of female, which marginalizes their experiences and fails to recognize that they possess agency and power.
Small Businesses Appear to Benefit from State or Local Government's Economic Development Assistance:

This analysis reveals traits of small businesses that received state and local governmental assistance. Among firms owned by nonminorities, the larger small businesses receive aid, and those aided by state or local governments are more likely than unassisted firms to remain in operation, even when one controls for various firm and owner characteristics. These patterns did not typify minority-owned firms. State and local governmental aid flows disproportionately to women-owned businesses and to firm owners who have also received federal governmental assistance. No evidence was found indicating targeting of assistance to specific industry groups.
Role Behavior of the Board of Directors and the Implementation of Program Change

The present chapter reports the results of an investigation of the relationship between attributes and behavior patterns of the board of directors and the implementation of program change in the 42 agencies under study.
Re-usable quick-release interconnect for characterization of microfluidic systems

In this work, we present a simple method for establishing re-usable quick-release compression-based fluidic connections for characterization of microfluidic systems. Our interconnect scheme uses O-rings to form a compression seal against the upper surface of the microfluidic device and around the inlet/outlet tubing, thus establishing connections to the macroworld and preventing any leaks at the ports. With this approach, fabrication is inexpensive and easy, not requiring time-consuming or specialized fabrication procedures. The connections to the real world can be established and removed numerous times without damaging the microfluidic device, and since the approach is adhesive-free there is no danger of microchannel blockage. The demonstrated interconnect is also flexible enough to permit tube bending parallel to the device and makes it possible to place input ports close together to minimize dimensions of complex microfluidic systems. In leakage tests, the interconnect was measured to withstand pressures up to 1.7 MPa, which is enough for most microfluidic applications, and probably nanofluidic applications. This interconnect makes connecting inlets and outlets faster and easier, saving hours of processing time. It can be quickly and easily reconfigured to match device port positions, and is compatible with microfluidic systems fabricated in polymer, plastic, glass or silicon. Further, the flexible nature of the developed compression-based interconnect, both with regard to tubing flexibility and the ability to re-use numerous times, makes it ideal for rapid prototyping of research systems and potentially for quality control in large-scale production.
Fluid Vortices in Friction-spinning

(1988). Fluid Vortices in Friction-spinning. The Journal of The Textile Institute: Vol. 79, No. 3, pp. 517-519.
IMPACT OF A COMMUNITY POPULAR OPINION LEADER INTERVENTION AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN ADULTS IN A SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES COMMUNITY

We examine the impact of an adapted community popular opinion leader (C-POL) intervention targeting alcohol-using social networks in Southeast Louisiana. A pre-post C-POL was conducted between October 2009 and April 2013, targeting alcohol users. A total of 65 popular opinion leaders were recruited, trained, and deployed into their social networks to diffuse intervention messages. Anonymous community surveys conducted within the venues among 99 male and female participants at baseline and 197 at 6 months to 1 year later revealed significant behavioral and knowledge changes. Average sexual risk score based on 7 sexual risk items declined from 15.3 to 11.9 (p < 0.001); the number of vaginal and anal sex partners in the last year decreased from 11.3 to 7.7 and 3.9 to 2.3, respectively (p < 0.01); and HIV knowledge score (based on % correct) increased from 67.2 to 76.8% (p < 0.001). Findings add to the evidence base surrounding peer interventions.
Improving Classifications Through Graph Embeddings

Unsupervised classification is used to identify similar entities in a dataset and is extensively used in many application domains such as spam filtering [5], medical diagnosis [15], demographic research [13], etc. Unsupervised classification using K-Means generally clusters data based on (1) distance-based attributes of the dataset [4, 16, 17, 23] or (2) combinatorial properties of a weighted graph representation of the dataset [8].
Phase II study of lenalidomide (CC-5013) for patients with myelofibrosis

6510 Background: Lenalidomide (CC-5013, Revlimid), analogue of thalidomide, a new drug in a group known as ImiDs, with broad cytokine modulatory activity. Lenalidomide is less toxic than thalidomid...
Examples of Surfaces of General Type with Vector Fields

The purpose of this paper is to introduce some new surfaces of general type, called generalized Raynaud surfaces, and to prove that in many cases these surfaces possess global vector fields, contradicting a guess of Rudakov-Shafarevich [3].
Optimal location, capacity and timing of stockpiles for improved hurricane preparedness

Applying historical hurricane data to model storm related uncertainty, this paper develops a stochastic optimization model to determine the stockpile location and capacities of medical supplies for improved disaster preparedness in the event of a hurricane. Our models incorporate facility damage and casualty losses, based upon their severity levels and remaining survivability time, as a function of time variant changes in hurricane conditions. To determine the optimal deployment time, we use an optimal stopping time framework to model the trade-offs between increasing costs and reduced uncertainty as the hurricane approaches landfall. Finally, aided by an innovative mixed integer programming model, we develop an evolutionary optimization heuristic that yields time efficient high quality solutions for solving large-scale problems, then demonstrate the applicability of the approach via illustrative numeric examples.
Delta Opioid Receptor and Peptide: Hibernation for Stroke Therapy

In pursuit of neurological therapies, the opioid system, specifically delta opioids and delta opioid peptides, demonstrates promising potential for stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and other degenerative neurological conditions. Recent studies present strong evidence in support of the therapeutic use of delta opioid receptors, and provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of action. Delta opioid receptors have been shown to confer protective effects by mediating ionic homeostasis and activating endogenous neuroprotective pathways. Additionally, delta opioid agonists such as (D-Ala 2, D-Leu 5) enkephalin (DADLE) have been shown to decrease apoptosis and promote neuronal survival. In its entirety, the delta opioid system represents a promising target for neural therapies.
Some Aspects of the Role of Games, Sports, and Recreational Activities in the Culture of Modern Primitive Peoples II. The Fijians

(1949). Some Aspects of the Role of Games, Sports, and Recreational Activities in the Culture of Modern Primitive Peoples II. The Fijians. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 2-20.
Raman Studies of Znse Lattice Damage and Recovery Due to N Implantation and Annealing

The "bulk" and near-surface regions of N implanted heteroepitaxial ZnSe films were studied using the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the LO phonon Raman line. The "bulk" FWHM has a minimum below an annealing temperature Ta = 400° C, and increases for higher Ta. This is attributed to the relaxation of residual stress, and to an increased stress from the formation of Zn vacancies. The surface FWHM has a deep minimum near Ta = 500° C which is attributed to the relaxation of the implantation damage at lower Ta, and stress induced by Zn vacancy formation at higher Ta. Another wider peak is found just after implantation and for Ta = 600° C, and results from a sum of two peaks attributed to the heavily damaged region around Rp and to the region with Zn vacancies.
Fluorimetric Assay for Serum Albumin Based on Its Enzymatic Activity

ABSTRACT Serum albumins are known to catalyze the hydrolysis of aryl esters. Both human and bovine albumins are active against Naphthol AS acetate, resulting in a fluorescence excited at 320 nm and monitored at 500 nm. HSA was more active than BSA. At pH 8.0 the reaction is activated by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. Other esterases in serum require either calcium or a higher pH for activity. The assay is conducted with albumin diluted to about 10−7 M or less, thus dissociating many potentially interfering ligands. Palmitic acid did not interfere. The interference by bilirubin is minimized by using highly dilute albumin. The present method gives results with serum which correlate well with the widely used Bromcresol Green method. Limit of detection for HSA is 14 picomoles.
Effect of Low Level Photoionization in Solid Phase Epitaxial Regrowth of Amorphous Silicon

In this work we searched for evidence of low level photoionization effects in the solid phase epitaxial regrowth (SPER) of intrinsic amorphous silicon on (100) silicon during isothermal furnace annealing. We used in situ cw laser interferometry to measure the changes in the rate at 500 °C as the laser power was varied from 20 mW-80 mW. Calculation showed that laser heating increased the sample temperature by a maximum of 6 °C at 80 mW. The measured change of the SPER rate with laser power in this range was always smaller than the change computed from an Arrhenius calculation using the measured activation energy, and the calculated value of the laser-produced increment in the sample temperature. The result indicates that there are negligible low level photoionization effects in silicon SPER.
Registration for Orthopaedic Interventions

Registration is the process of computing the transformation that relates the coordinates of corresponding points viewed in two different coordinate systems. It is one of the key components in orthopaedic navigation guidance and robotic systems. When assessing the appropriateness of a registration method for clinical use one must consider multiple factors. Among others these include, accuracy, robustness, speed, degree of automation, detrimental effects to the patient, effects on interventional workflow, and associated financial costs. In this chapter we give an overview of registration algorithms, both those available commercially and those that have only been evaluated in the laboratory setting. We introduce the models underlying the algorithms, describe the context in which they are used and assess them using the criteria described above. We show that academic research has primarily focused on improving all aspects of registration while ignoring workflow related issues. On the other hand, commercial systems have found ways of obviating the need for registration resulting in streamlined workflows that are clinically more acceptable, albeit at a cost of being sub-optimal on other criteria. While there is no optimal registration method for all settings, we do have a respectable arsenal from which to choose.
Molecular Anion Hydrogen Bonding Dynamics in Aqueous Solution

The dynamic nature of hydrogen bonding between a molecular anion, selenocyanate (SeCN–), and water in aqueous solution (D2O) is addressed using FT-IR spectroscopy, two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) vibrational echo spectroscopy, and polarization selective IR pump–probe (PSPP) experiments performed on the CN stretching mode. The CN absorption spectrum is asymmetric with a wing on the low frequency (red) side of the line in contrast to the spectrum in the absence of hydrogen bonding. It is shown that the red wing is the result of an increase in the CN stretch transition dipole moment due to the effect of hydrogen bonding (non-Condon effect). This non-Condon effect is similar in nature to observations on pure water and other nonionic systems where hydrogen bonding enhances the extinction coefficient. The 2D IR measurements of spectral diffusion (solvent structural evolution) yield a time constant of 1.5 ps, which is within error the same as that of the OH stretch of HOD in D2O (1.4 ps). The orientational rela...
Nanoscale Control of Morphology in Fullerene-Based Electron-Conducting Buffers via Organic Vapor Phase Deposition

Small molecular weight organic thin film mixtures of the electron-conducting C60 in a wide energy gap matrix, 3,5,3′,5′-tetra(m-pyrid-3-yl)phenyl[1,1′]biphenyl (BP4mPy) forms a high efficiency electron filtering buffer in organic photovoltaics (OPV). Electrons are conducted via percolating paths of C60 whereas excitons are blocked by the BP4mPy. We find that the conductivity and exciton blocking efficiency of the blends are strongly dependent on film morphology that can be precisely controlled by the conditions used in the organic vapor phase deposition (OVPD). Specifically, we find that a background carrier gas pressure of 0.28 Torr leads to extended and highly conductive crystalline C60 domains. Furthermore, the structure is strongly influenced by carrier gas pressure. Via a combination of morphological measurements and molecular dynamics simulations, we find that this dependence is due to kinetically induced structural annealing at the growth interface. The highest electron mobility of (6.1 ± 0.5) × 10...
Breaking with Conservationism: Isaiah 11:1–9

In Chapter 5, I examine Genesis 1:26–29 in conjunction with Genesis 9:1–3. That endeavor yields a vision in which God endows humanity with the divine image for the sake of keeping the divine order of the cosmos. This order is, according to the mythos of Genesis 1, not the violent cycle of Darwinian evolution but rather a harmony that mirrors the nonviolent creative acts of Elohim. While God does accommodate humanity’s propensity to bear the imago Marduk, such an accommodation is subpar in the face of the original divine intention.
Comparing Length of Stay Between Patients Taking Rivaroxaban and Conventional Anticoagulants for Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism

Recent studies have demonstrated non-inferiority of rivaroxaban when compared to warfarin for the treatment of pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. Analysis of data from the EINSTEIN trials has demonstrated that patients who received rivaroxaban had a shorter length of stay (LOS) compared to those who received warfarin. However, these trials had strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were designed for a different primary outcome. Also, data from these closely monitored clinical trials may not reflect the daily practice of medicine. To clarify this issue further, we performed a retrospective analysis at our institution, comparing the LOS between patients discharged on rivaroxaban and other conventional anticoagulants (warfarin, enoxaparin, and enoxaparin with warfarin). This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients admitted to our institution from January 2011 to July 2014 with newly diagnosed venous thromboembolism (VTE). Inclusion criteria were age > 18 years and objective confirmation of VTE. Exclusion criteria included diagnosis of VTE 24 h after admission, contraindication to anticoagulation, treatment with fibrinolytic agents, patients already on anticoagulation, and pregnancy. Out of 1553 consecutive patients diagnosed with VTE, a total of 414 patients met the eligibility criteria. These patients were further subdivided into four groups based on their discharge anticoagulant: rivaroxaban, warfarin, enoxaparin, and warfarin with enoxaparin. Patients discharged on rivaroxaban had a significantly shorter LOS compared with patients discharged on warfarin (3.5 vs. 7.0 days; p 0.05). The hospital incidence of bleeding and the 6-month readmission rates were not different among the different anticoagulants. In patients admitted with newly diagnosed VTE, those discharged on rivaroxaban had a significantly shorter LOS compared to those discharged on warfarin. In the appropriate subset of patients with VTE, treatment with rivaroxaban may result in significant cost savings for the hospital.
Proteins in gastric juice: a study of fifty cases.

Abstract Several proteins were studied in the gastric juices from 50 people. Material was obtained from 20 normal volunteers and 30 patients with ulcer, gastritis, or neoplasia. Bleeding into the stomach was assessed by visual inspection and biochemical tests for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH 2 ), haptoglobin, hemoglobin, and methemalbumin. Of the 50 samples, 33 contained no blood by visual examination, but there was an absence of hemoglobin-peroxidase staining in only 5 of these. The total LDH values in gastric juice were found to be insignificantly increased in patients with ulcers, considerably increased in patients with gastritis, and markedly increased in patients with gastric malignancies. The 5 LDH isoenzymes were identified in all samples, but their quantitative values were of no diagnostic assistance. Total gastric juice protein and albumin:globulin ratios were predictably altered with pathology. Immunologic analysis revealed 17 well-characterized plasma proteins in gastric secretions. Some of these were hitherto unrecognized as constituents of stomach juice. The concentrations of β 2 -glycoprotein, ceruloplasmin, α 2 -macroglobulin, IgM, and β-lipoprotein were found to be increased as a consequence of ulcer, gastritis, or neoplasia.
Can guidelines impact the ordering of magnetic resonance imaging studies by primary care providers for low back pain

OBJECTIVE To compare primary care providers' (PCPs') use of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and surgical referrals for patients with low back pain (LBP) before and after dissemination of the 1994 Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research (AHCPR) LBP guidelines. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Computerized audits identified patients with LBP evaluated by PCPs in 1994 or 1996 at a university-affiliated Veterans Affairs medical center who had an MRI order and/or a surgical referral. Research assistants recorded patients' demographic characteristics, LBP-related symptoms, and whether the PCP ordered an MRI and/or a surgery consult. For patients referred to surgery without an MRI, subsequent MRI orders by surgeons were recorded. We compared patient characteristics and utilization patterns for 1994 and 1996 and identified independent predictors of MRI orders. RESULTS PCPs saw 279 and 261 patients with LBP in 1994 and 1996, respectively. An almost identical number of MRIs were ordered in 1994 (99 by PCPs and 42 by surgeons) and 1996 (105 by PCPs and 32 by surgeons). Nearly 50% of patients meeting AHCPR guidelines underwent an MRI in 1994 or 1996. PCPs more frequently ordered a surgery consult in 1994 than in 1996. Providers were less likely to order an MRI for patients with a previous MRI and more likely to order an MRI for those seen in an urgent visit clinic. Neither year nor meeting AHCPR guidelines predicted MRI ordering. CONCLUSIONS Orders for MRI did not decrease after education on the guidelines. Limiting MRI orders to only "appropriate" patients would not have changed the observed results.