cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Particle identification with an electromagnetic calorimeter using a Convolutional Neural Network

The LHCb’s Electromagentic Calorimeter (ECAL) measures the energy that any particle leaves behind when it travels through its sensors. However, with the current granularity, it is not possible to exploit the shape of the shower produced by the particle when it interacts with the ECAL, which is an information that could be enough to conclude what particle is being detected. In an attempt to find out whether it would be possible to classify them in future runs of the LHC, simulated data is generated with Geant4, giving an idea of what SPACAL, an updated version of the current calorimeter with better resolution, is capable of. Convolutional Neural Networks are applied so that the algorithm can understand the shapes and energy deposits produced by each kind of particle. Results obtained demonstrate that bigger resolution in ECAL allows over 95% precision in some classifications such as photons against neutrons.
Seeking “skilled, poised, fluent” verbal communicators: Aesthetic labor and signaling in journalism job advertisements:

Journalism job advertisements send important signals about valued skills and attributes. How such advertisements articulate journalistic expertise, including interactional expertise, has been studi...
Abstract 5550: SNPs in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase1A4 (UGT1A4) and multidrug resistant protein (MRP) and their influence on anastrozole metabolism and disposition

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor (AI) used as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Anastrozole belongs to the non-steroidal triazole-derivative group of AIsand is predominantly metabolized by Phase I oxidation followed by other Phase II reactions, including glucuronidation. Anastrozole is also subject to direct glucuronidation catalyzed by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase1A4 (UGT1A4). We have demonstrated a significant association between expression levels of the drug transporter genes MRP2 and MRP3 and anastrozole glucuronidation. We hypothesized that genetic variability in UGT1A4 and MRPs could influence anastrozole metabolism and disposition. Using normal human liver samples obtained from the Cooperative Human Tissue Network, we analyzed the correlation of UGT1A4, MRP2 and MRP3 mRNA and protein expression levels with anastrozole glucuronidation. UGT1A4 and MRP2 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly correlated with anastrozole gucuronidation (p A, -217T>G, -219C>T) and MRP2 SNPs (3563T>A, 4430C>T and -24C>T) with anastrozole glucuronidation (Table 1). These data indicate that UGT1A4 and MRP2 SNPs could interact to influence anastrozole metabolism and disposition. Pharmacogenetic studies are needed to elucidate the role of UGT1A4 and MRP2 SNPs in the inter-individual variability in anastrozole metabolism and disposition, as well as the overall efficacy of anastrozole treatment. Table 1 View this table: Citation Format: Vineetha Koroth Edavana, Rosalind Penney, Aiwei Yao- Borengasser, Lora Rogers, Ishwori Dhakal, Suzanne Williams, Susan Kadlubar. SNPs in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase1A4 (UGT1A4) and multidrug resistant protein (MRP) and their influence on anastrozole metabolism and disposition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5550. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5550
Abstraction-based relation mining for functional test generation

Functional test generation and design validation frequently use stochastic methods for vector generation. However, for circuits with narrow paths or random-resistant corner cases, purely random techniques can fail to produce adequate results. Deterministic techniques can aid this process; however, they add significant computational complexity. This paper presents a Register Transfer Level (RTL) abstraction technique to derive relationships between inputs and path activations. The abstractions are built off of various program slices. Using such a variety of abstracted RTL models, we attempt to find patterns in the reduced state and input with their resulting branch activations. These relationships are then applied to guide stimuli generation in the concrete model. Experimental results show that this method allows for fast convergence on hard-to-reach states and achieves a performance increase of up to 9× together with a reduction of test lengths compared to previous hybrid search techniques.
Adrenal Cells in Tissue Culture V. ON THE SPECIFICITY OF THE STIMULATION OF 11β-HYDROXYLATION BY ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN

Abstract We have previously reported (Kowal, J., Biochemistry 8, 1821 (1969)) that stimulation of monolayer cultures of mouse adrenal cortex tumors with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) for periods of 24 to 72 hours results in increased levels of mitochondrial 11β-hydroxylase activity. This report describes some additional observations on the nature of this effect. Concomitant with the increases in enzyme activity, the levels of cytochrome P-450 and adrenal nonheme iron protein (adrenodoxin) are also increased. On the other hand, ACTH has no effect on the levels of mitochondrial respiratory chain cytochromes. The content of these latter pigments was found to be the same as those reported in bovine adrenal tissue. Long term culture, for periods up to 2 years, did not produce any alteration in the levels of these cytochromes. Cytochrome P-450 is diminished by long term culture, but its content can be restored by passage of the cells into recipient mice. The concentration of cytochrome P-450 in all culture preparations is markedly lower than that reported for normal bovine adrenals. The effect of ACTH on 11β-hydroxylase occurs in the absence of any stimulation of mitochondrial protein synthesis. Similarly, there is little or no effect of ACTH on the activities of such mitochondrial enzymes as succinic dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase, DPN-dependent malate dehydrogenase, adenosine 5'-triphosphatase, and 5'-nucleotidase. Small (l50%) but consistent increases in TPNH- and DPNH-cytochrome c reductases were seen in cultures which responded to ACTH with increases in 11β-hydroxylase which averaged 500%. The data suggest that ACTH can induce the synthesis of specific enzymes in the absence of a generalized effect on growth of the adrenal cell.
In Vivo rapid delivery of vasopressin from an implantable drug delivery micro-electro-mechanical device

A miniaturized implantable rapid drug delivery device based on micro-electro-mechanical-systems technology was recently developed and characterized. This device is intended to address acute conditions in high-risk subjects. This work provides an in vivo proof-of-concept for the device in a rabbit model, by releasing a physiologically active dose of vasopressin, a vasoconstrictor. The devices were implanted subcutaneously and activated to rapidly release vasopressin, with monitoring of mean arterial pressure and plasma levels.Device releases showed a rapid and measurable effect on mean arterial pressure as well as a continuous diffusion of vasopressin into the bloodstream, consistent with a depot effect. Plasma levels in rabbits receiving vasopressin with the device rose monotonically to 24.4 ± 2.9 ng/mL after one hour. Bioavailability after one hour was calculated to be 6.2 ± 2.8 % (mean ± s.d.).A new modality for rapid and controlled drug delivery has been developed. The device can be used as a new implantable device controlled by medical algorithms (based on heart rate or mean arterial pressure, for example) for autonomous operation in high-risk populations that require immediate ambulatory intervention. Keywords: Subcutaneous drug delivery; vasopressin; MEMS; rabbit; bioavailability.
The Impact of Recession on the Value-relevance of Accounting Information

type="main"> The Global Financial Crisis of 2007–2008, and the subsequent global economic downturn, has heightened the need for research on whether the value-relevance of accounting information is impacted by periods of macroeconomic decline. In this study, we examine whether the occurrence of a recession impacts the value-relevance of two key accounting constructs: book value of equity and earnings. Consistent with our priors, we find that controlling for recession significantly increases the value-relevance of both the book value of equity and earnings. Our findings indicate the importance of controlling for recession in value-relevance studies. Sample periods that include recession events, and that do not incorporate such conditioning, may be mis-specified, with results difficult, if not impossible, to interpret.
Agreement in pathologic interpretation of liver biopsy specimens in posttransplant hepatitis C infection.

○ Hepatitis C virus-related disease is rapidly becoming the most common indication for orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) in the United States. Although post-OLT hepatitis C viremia is universal, 40% to 60% of patients develop recurrent chronic hepatitis C. Distinguishing recurrent chronic hepatitis C infection from acute rejection may be difficult because of overlapping histopathologic features. To improve our diagnostic accuracy we undertook a study to determine interobserver and intraobserver agreement between pathologists examining post-OLT liver biopsy specimens in patients from our transplant database. Clinical data and microscopic sections from 26 patients with hepatitis C virus-related OLT were reviewed. Biopsy specimens were obtained because of abnormal liver enzymes (21/26) or routine post-OLT follow-up (5/26), representing both early (18 ± 11 days) and late (252 ± 206 days) post-OLT periods. Unidentified sections were examined by an experienced pathologist in a randomly assigned order and reexamined 6 weeks later in the same fashion by the initial reviewer and a second experienced pathologist. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement was calculated using K statistic. The intraobserver agreement was 81% with a K coefficient of 0.67 (P =.001). The interobserver agreement was 78% with a K coefficient of 0.60 (P <.001). The early post-OLT biopsy specimens (18 ± 11 days) were the most difficult to interpret.
Aortic insufficiency and mitral regurgitation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and the antiphospholipid syndrome

Abstract purpose, patients, and methods: Heart disease has not been well characterized in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the anti-phospholipid syndrome. During a prospective study of cerebrovascular disease in autoimmune disease and SLE, 11 lupus patients were identified with an antiphospholipid syndrome characterized by significant cardiac valvular disease in addition to cerebral infarction, deep vein thromboses, and thrombocytopenia. Patients were reviewed for criteria for systemic lupus and underwent echocardiographic studies and measurements of anticardiolipin antibodies, VDRL, and the lupus anticoagulant. results: Eight of the 11 patients had aortic insufficiency, two of whom had associated mitral regurgitation. Three patients had mitral regurgitation alone. Microscopic analysis of a surgically excised aortic valve indicated typical Libman-Sacks verrucous endocarditis. Infective endocarditis was ruled out in all patients. conclusion: This report expands previous descriptions of antiphospholipid syndromes by describing a subset of lupus patients with significant aortic and mitral valvulitis in addition to circulating antiphospholipid antibodies, thrombocytopenia, and recurrent thromboses.
Relative efficiencies of plasma catechol levels and ratios for neonatal diagnosis of menkes disease.

Background Menkes disease is an X-linked recessive neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from mutation in a copper-transporting ATPase gene. Menkes disease can be detected by relatively high concentrations of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites compared to norepinephrine (NE) and its metabolites, presumably because dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) requires copper as a co-factor. The relative diagnostic efficiencies of levels of catechol analytes, alone or in combination, in neonates at genetic risk of Menkes disease have been unknown. Methods Plasma from 44 at-risk neonates less than 30 days old were assayed for DA, NE, and other catechols. Of the 44, 19 were diagnosed subsequently with Menkes disease, and 25 were unaffected. Results Compared to unaffected at-risk infants, those with Menkes disease had high plasma DA (P < 10−6) and low NE (P < 10−6) levels. Considered alone, neither DA nor NE levels had perfect sensitivity, whereas the ratio of DA:NE was higher in all affected than in all unaffected subjects (P = 2 × 10−8). Analogously, levels of the DA metabolite, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and the NE metabolite, dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), were imperfectly sensitive, whereas the DOPAC:DHPG ratio was higher in all affected than in all unaffected subjects (P = 2 × 10−4). Plasma dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and the ratio of epinephrine (EPI):NE levels were higher in affected than in unaffected neonates (P = 0.0015; P = 0.013). Conclusions Plasma DA:NE and DOPAC:DHPG ratios are remarkably sensitive and specific for diagnosing Menkes disease in at-risk newborns. Affected newborns also have elevated DOPA and EPI:NE ratios, which decreased DBH activity alone cannot explain.
Children's drawings of headache pain were accurate for diagnosing migraine.

Source Citation Stafstrom CE, Rostasy K, Minster A. The usefulness of children’s drawings in the diagnosis of headache. Pediatrics. 2002 Mar;109:460-72. 11875142
A Heuristic Structure for Collaborative Design

ABSTRACTWhile designing new products and services in the industrial age has always been a collective process, the term collaborative design (CD) has become increasingly popular within design communities in the last few decades. Our survey of the CD literature yielded such a wide variety of efforts called ‘collaborative design’ that we were led to question if this diversity is inherent in CD processes as such, or whether CD is still in the process of being clearly defined. The lack of delineation between repeatedly recurring key terms (for example, teamwork, co-design, participatory design, cooperation, and so forth) led us to conclude that the latter is the case. We thus hypothesize that, currently, ‘collaborative design’ is more of a buzzword with unclear conceptual boundaries than it is a clearly defined typology of praxis. With this in mind, this paper sets aside the putative popularity of ‘collaborative design’ to theoretically ascertain more precisely what it is. We first survey a range of collective...
The Existence of Broiler Cycles: An Application of Spectral Analysis

The broiler industry has experienced rapid growth, instability, and structural change during the postwar period. A time‐series analysis of important industry variables is presented. Auto‐spectral methods are employed to investigate hypothesized 30‐month cycles, while cross‐spectral methods are utilized to determine if significant lead‐lag relationships exist between the various time series. Moreover, these methods, as well as complex demodulation, are used in an attempt to determine the effects of vertical integration. The results cast doubt on the hypothesis that regular cycles of approximately 30 months characterize the broiler industry and suggest that time differences (lead‐lag relationships) among various time series are not generally significant. The possible effects of vertical integration generally conform to intuitive notions.
Feasibility of Home Care for Certain Respiratory-Dependent Restrictive or Obstructive Lung Disease Patients

Some patients requiring long-term intermittent or continuous mechanical ventilation can be safely treated at home with less cost and greater patient and family satisfaction. This is supported by experience with restrictive or obstructive respiratory disease patients in a respirator home care program from 1973 through 1979; some were followed for over four years. Moreover, risk is low as judged by few medical complications and no deaths attributed to home care. When compared with their need for hospitalization in the preceding 12 months, patients in the home care program required fewer days in the hospital (restrictive, 88 percent; obstructive, 37 percent). Given proper organization and resources, home care can be a useful alternative to continued hospitalization for certain respirator-dependent patients.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to quantify collagen and elastin in an in vitro model of extracellular matrix degradation in aorta

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key component and regulator of many biological tissues including aorta. Several aortic pathologies are associated with significant changes in the composition of the matrix, especially in the content, quality and type of aortic structural proteins, collagen and elastin. The purpose of this study was to develop an infrared spectroscopic methodology that is comparable to biochemical assays to quantify collagen and elastin in aorta. Enzymatically degraded porcine aorta samples were used as a model of ECM degradation in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). After enzymatic treatment, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the aortic tissue were acquired by an infrared fiber optic probe (IFOP) and FTIR imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS). Collagen and elastin content were quantified biochemically and partial least squares (PLS) models were developed to predict collagen and elastin content in aorta based on FTIR spectra. PLS models developed from FT-IRIS spectra were able to predict elastin and collagen content of the samples with strong correlations (RMSE of validation = 8.4% and 11.1% of the range respectively), and IFOP spectra were successfully used to predict elastin content (RMSE = 11.3% of the range). The PLS regression coefficients from the FT-IRIS models were used to map collagen and elastin in tissue sections of degraded porcine aortic tissue as well as a human AAA biopsy tissue, creating a similar map of each component compared to histology. These results support further application of FTIR spectroscopic techniques for evaluation of AAA tissues.
CRISP: sleep state scoring in human infants

In contrast to those interested in adult sleep, researchers interested in infant sleep are concerned with age-related changes in the organization of sleep states as well as with the rhythm of REM-nonREM cycles, During the newborn period, for example, organization is incomplete; the physiological and behavioral activities recorded during sleep are not readily classified into two distinct sleep states (such as REM and nonREM) because of a large amount of sleep which appears poorly organized and has mixed features. An infant sleep scoring manual was published in 1971 which resulted from an international collaborative effort to standardize terms and techniques (Anders, Emde, & Parmelee, 1971), This manual defincd three sleep states: Active REM sleep, quiet sleep, and indeterminatc sleep. Active REM sleep and quiet sleep were clearly distinguishable by multiple criteria and were considered precursors of REM and nonREM sleep in the older child and adult. On the other hand, indeterminate sleep was poorly organized with mixed features and was considered an "immature" state, most characteristic of prematures and young fullterms. Indeterminate sleep was also cunsidered characteristic of some abnormal infants. CRISP is a computer program which autumatically categorizes infant sleep using the infant sleep manual standards for coding parameters of EOG, EEG. EMG, respiration. and body movement. Multiple critcria for active REM sleep include presence of eye movements. a nat or mixed EEG, a low amplitude EMG. irregular respirations, and the presence of body movement. Multiple criteria for quiet sleep include the absence of eye movements, a high voltage or trace alternant or mixed EEG, a high amplitude EMG. regular respirations, and the absence of body movements. The CRISP system is an adaptation and extension of Anders' RIPVAN program for use on smaller PDP- I 2 laboratory computers (Anders & Zangen, 1972).
Lipid lateral heterogeneity in phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylserine/diacylglycerol vesicles and its influence on protein kinase C activation

To test the hypothesis that the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) is influenced by lateral heterogeneities of the components of the lipid bilayer, the thermotropic phase behavior of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC)/dimyristoylphosphatidylserine (DMPS)/dioleoylglycerol (DO) vesicles was compared with the activation of PKC by this system. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to monitor the main transition (i.e., the gel-to-fluid phase transition) as a function of mole fraction DO (chi(DO)) in DMPC/DO, DMPS/DO, and [DMPC/DMPS (1:1, mol/mol)]/DO multilamellar vesicles (MLVs). In each case, when chi(DO) approximately 0.3, the main transition became highly cooperative, i.e., narrow, again. The coexistence of overlapping narrow and broad transitions was clearly evident in DSC thermograms from chi(DO) approximately 0.1 to chi(DO) approximately 0.3, with the more cooperative transition growing at the expense of the broader one as chi(DO) increased. FTIR spectroscopy, using analogs of DMPC and DMPS with perdeuterated acyl chains, showed that the melting profiles of all three lipid components in [DMPC/DMPS (1:1, mol/mol)]/DO MLVs virtually overlay when chi(DO) = 0.33, suggesting that a new type of phase, with a phospholipid/DO mole ratio near 2:1, is formed in this system. Collectively, the results are consistent with the coexistence of DO-poor and DO-rich domains throughout the compositions chi(DO) approximately 0.1 to chi(DO) approximately 0.3, even at temperatures above the main transition. Comparison of the phase behavior of the binary mixtures with that of the ternary mixtures suggests that DMPS/DO interactions may be more favorable than DMPC/DO interactions in the ternary system, especially in the gel state. PKC activity was measured using [DMPC/DMPS (1:1, mol/mol)]/DO MLVs as the lipid activator. At 35 degrees C (a temperature above the main transition of the lipids), PKC activity increased gradually with increasing chi(DO) from chi(DO) approximately 0.1 to chi(DO) approximately 0.4, and activity remained high at higher DO contents. In contrast, at 2 degrees C (a temperature below the main transition), PKC activity exhibited a maximum between chi(DO) approximately 0.1 and chi(DO) approximately 0.3, and at higher DO contents activity was essentially constant at 20–25% of the activity at the maximum. We infer from these results that the formation of DO-rich domains is related to PKC activation, and when the lipid is in the gel state, the coexistence of DO-poor and DO-rich phases also contributes to PKC activation.
Oceanography: Oxygen and climate dynamics

Low oxygen levels in tropical oceans shape marine ecosystems and biogeochemistry, and climate change is expected to expand these regions. Now a study indicates that regional dynamics control tropical oxygen trends, bucking projected global reductions in ocean oxygen.
Quantitative measurement by microdensitometry of tyrosinase (dopa oxidase) development in whole small ascidian embryos.

Embryos of the ascidian, Ciona intestinalis, were fixed in either cold (5° C) 70% ethanol or cold absolute methanol during their tyrosinase development phase and incubated in buffered (pH 7.2) solutions of the enzyme substrate l-dihydroxyphenylalanine. Optical density of the reaction product (melanin) was measured in the whole small embryos at 450 nm with a Vickers M85 scanning and integrating microdensitometer. The frequency distribution of the reaction density in embryos of a population was Gaussian, and the mean optical density in embryo samples (N=25) increased linearly with incubation time when a saturation level of substrate was used. Absolute optical density units of dopa oxidase activity in embryos increased linearly in proportion to the development time preceding melanin granulogenesis thereby suggesting that the enzyme activity measured by this procedure is proportional to the amount of tyrosinase present. Since this developmental increase in activity was blocked by treatment of the embryos with puromycin, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, the change is apparently caused by new enzyme synthesis. The microdensitometry assay also confirmed results obtained previously with a radiometric assay: embryos cleavage-inhibited at 7 h development time with cytochalasin B to produce giant melanocytes developed only the same amount of enzyme activity as control embryos.
The Field Behind the Screen: Using Netnography for Marketing Research in Online Communities

Abstract The author develops “netnography” as an online marketing research technique for providing consumer insight. Netnography is ethnography adapted to the study of online communities. As a method, netnography is faster, simpler, and less expensive than traditional ethnography and more naturalistic and unobtrusive than focus groups or interviews. It provides information on the symbolism, meanings, and consumption patterns of online consumer groups. The author provides guidelines that acknowledge the online environment, respect the inherent flexibility and openness of ethnography, and provide rigor and ethics in the conduct of marketing research. As an illustrative example, the author provides a netnography of an online coffee newsgroup and discusses its marketing implications.
The Assessment of Dating Aggression Empirical Evaluation of the Conflict Tactics Scale

Two studies were conducted to examine the component structure of response patterns on the Conflict Tactics Scale in dating samples. In Study 1, CTS responses for 268 male and 399 female unmarried college students were subjected to principal components analyses. For both sexes, these analyses revealed a 4-component solution (Reasoning, Verbal Aggression/Coercion, Physical Aggression/Threat, and Severe Aggression). In Study 2, the component solution was replicated with a combined-sex sample of 288 (116 men, 172 women) unmarried college students. The component solution found in these samples was consistent with those found in earlier studies of the CTS with married samples. Differences between the empirically supported component structure and the rationally derived aggression indices for the CTS may have implications for understanding the underlying dimensions tapped by the CTS.
The critical temperatures and densities of acetic acidwater mixtures

Abstract The critical temperatures and densities of acetic acidwater mixtures have been measured using a sealed ampule method. The measurements for pure acetic acid were compared with data reported in the literature and were found to be in good agreement. It is shown that the critical temperatures of acetic acidwater mixtures increase with the addition of water, and that the critical temperature-composition behavior is linear in the composition range studied. The limiting slopes of the critical lines were obtained and compared with those calculated using the RKS equation of state with a binary interaction parameter.
Trypsin inhibitors in plants

Abstract Trypsin inhibitors were found in several food plants. Potato and sweet corn were the most inhibitory, while fruits had negligible activity. Intermediate in activity were sweet potato, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cucumber. The trypsin inhibitor of sweet corn was isolated by extraction in dilute salt solution, ammonium sulfate fractionation, chromatography with Sephadex G75 and CM-cellulose and lyophilization. Two components were demonstrated by disc gel electrophoresis. The inhibitor was heat stable. It had little inhibitory activity against papain but was moderately active against chymotrypsin.
Bis[bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imido] xenon: a new example of a compound containing xenon-nitrogen bonds

Abstract As a complement to the previously unique xenon-nitrogen system [XeF 2 +HN(SO 2 F) 2 ], Xe[N(SO 2 CF 3 ) 2 ] 2 is presented here as the sole xenon-containing product from the reaction of XeF 2 with (CF 3 SO 2 )NH. Yield and purity of the title compound was greatly enhanced by the use of an intermediate trimethylsilyl derivative of the parent acid: Xe[N(SO 2 CF 3 ) 2 ] 2 is a brilliant white solid stable to 72° at which point it decomposes rapidly and cleanly to readily identifiable products. Formation of HF, albeit the driving force for many XeF 2 -protic acid reactions, is well known to be detrimental towards many bonds to xenon. This first successful use of a silated reagent to avoid HF formation in xenon chemistry demonstrates yet another synthetic alternative. Synthesis and analysis of the title compound will be discussed, as well as the mechanistic pathways of formation and controlled decomposition.
Factors that promote and prohibit access to participants in the clinical setting: A review of response rates from a health communication intervention study

Abstract Objective This report examines the factors that influence researchers’ abilities to recruit participants into health communication studies conducted within the clinical setting. Method Review of response rates over a 15 month data collection period for an intervention study on patient–physician communication, low health literacy, and diabetes management. Results Most patients were willing to participate (73%). The challenge was not fostering interest in the study, but rather being able to approach potential participants. Over the course of the study, patients with diabetes visited the clinic 1263 times yet interviewers were only able to approach patients 196 times for potential inclusion in the study. Confounding factors that affected recruiting participants included the interviewers’ availability and clinic schedule, as well as patient chief complaint and no show or rescheduling rates. Conclusion Researchers must engage in collaborative efforts with clinic staff during the research design phase, maximize their availability to approach potential patients, and capitalize on the insights of clinic staff to approach those patients who fit the study criteria and would be most willing to participate in the research project. Practice implications Researchers must learn about the clinic, reduce research burden, and be flexible to work within the constraints of the clinic setting.
Physics of GaN devices (Keynote Address)

We review the physics of GaN-based devices including pyroelectric and piezoelectric sensors, GaN-based Heterostructure Field Effect Transistors (HFETs); SAW and acousto-optics devices; UV Light Emitting Diodes, and THz plasma wave electronics devices using GaN HFETs, paying special attention to polarization effects. We also discuss oscillating electron and hole islands in semiconductor GaN or AlGaN grains embedded into a pyroelectric matrix with a larger spontaneous polarization.
Nutrition: A dimensional perspective

Abstract This commentary explores the concerns of poor nutrition on mental well being as there is a growing body of data suggesting that what we eat impacts our genes and our vulnerability to develop a mental illness.
The Effects of Thin Layer Sand Renourishment on Tidal Marsh Processes: Masonboro Island, North Carolina

The objective of this study was to determine if the placement of dredged material on sediment-starved back barrier marshes in southeastern North Carolina could offset submergence without negatively affecting function. Clean sediment was placed in thickness from 0 to 10 cm, on deteriorated and non-deteriorated marsh plots. Original stem densities were greater, in non-deteriorated plots (256 stems m−2) compared to deteriorated sites (149 stems m−2). By the second growing season (after sediment additions), stem densities in the deteriorated plots (308 stems m−2) approached levels in the non-deteriorated plots (336 stems m−2). Sediment additions to, both nos-deteriorated and deteriorated plots resulted in a higher redox potential with plots receiving the most sediment exhibiting the highest Eh values. In deteriorated plots, placement of dredged material had the greatest effect on plant density, but also affected soil oxidation-reduction potential and sediment deposition (or mobility). Following sediment placement, substrate texture and composition incrementally returned to prefill conditions due to a combination of bioturbation and sedimentation. Where infaunal differences occurred, they were generally less abundant in deteriorated plots, but responses to sediment addition were variable. Sediment addition had little effect on the non-deteriorated plots, suggesting that the disposal of certain types of dredged material in marshes may be useful to mitigate the effects of marsh degradation without adversely affecting non-deteriorating marsh.
Shear Rheological Characterization of Motor Oils

Measurements of high pressure viscosity, traction coefficient, and EHD film thickness were performed on twelve commercial automotive engine oils, a reference oil, two unformulated base oils and two unformated base oil and polymer blends. An effective high shear rate inlet viscosity was calculated from film thickness and pressure viscosity coefficient. The difference between measured and effective viscosity is a function of the polymer type and concentration. Traction measurements did not discriminate mileage formulated oils from those not so designated.
Relationship of yield components of main culms and tillers of grain sorghum

Abstract An experiment was conducted in 1974 and 1976 at Columbia, MO (U.S.A.) to assess the relationship of grain yield components of main culms and lateral tillers of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.). Tillering was regulated by removing differing numbers of tillers at three stages of development (8-leaf, flag leaf visible, and 50% anthesis). Four levels of tillering were allowed at each stage: 0, 1, 2, and a variable number (control) of tillers per plant. Number of kernels produced by and weight of grains from main culm panicles decreased as number of tillers allowed to develop increased (15 and 9%, respectively). When increased intraplant competition interacted with moisture deficiency in late-planted plots, the deleterious effect on these components was exacerbated (19 and 12%, respectively). Yet, with increased competition, declines in number of kernels produced by main culm and kernal weight of grain from main and lateral tillers was more than compensated for by the total number of kernels produced. Time of tiller removal was important to main culm yield component expression if all tillers were removed. For number of kernels it was necessary to remove all tillers at the 8-leaf stage of development if a significant increase over the other removal treatments was to occur. On the other hand, kernel weight was not affected significantly unless removal was delayed until 50% anthesis. Allowing only one tiller to develop provided sufficient intraplant competition to negate any advantage in time of tiller removal within wach treatment. Yield components of lateral tillers were unaffected by removal of excess tillers at various stages development.
A new species of Ornithonyssus (Acari: Macronyssidae) in western North America and a review of nearctic species

Abstract Ornithonyssus hypertrichus n. sp. is described from four localities over a large area of the western nearctic region. Species characteristics include a high degree of hypertrichy on the opisthonotal portion of the female dorsal shield and the unarmed cuticule of the protonymph and adults, thus far unique within the genus. All specimens were collected from species of the cricetine rodent genus Peromyscus. A revised diagnosis is given for the genus Ornithonyssus. Keys are given to adult females, adult males, and protonymphs of the 6 species recognized as belonging to the genus Ornithonyssus in the nearctic region.
Potassium scattering lengths and prospects for Bose-Einstein condensation and sympathetic cooling

We have determined the scattering lengths for collisions between the different isotopes of two potassium atoms in singlet and triplet molecular states of ${\mathrm{K}}_{2}$. We show that for the two bosonic species ${}^{39}\mathrm{K}$ and ${}^{41}\mathrm{K}$ the scattering lengths are positive, hence, leading to stable condensates. The fermionic isotope ${}^{40}\mathrm{K}$ also has positive scattering lengths, but the triplet value is nearly zero, hence, a quasi-non-interacting fermionic gas. We also give results for the interspecies collisions. We conclude that double condensates of ${}^{39}\mathrm{K}$ and ${}^{41}\mathrm{K}$ are possible for purely spin-polarized atoms, and sympathetic cooling between the bosonic ${}^{39}\mathrm{K}$ and the fermionic ${}^{40}\mathrm{K}$ will be efficient due to low spin-flip rates and a sizable interspecies scattering length.
Compact representation of vibrational wave functions for diatomic molecules

Abstract A new method for determining vibrational wave functions for diatomic molecules is presented. The method is capable of giving very accurate results while at the same time it requires only a small number of parameters to describe the wave functions completely. For example, using a trial function containing only four parameters, it is possible to obtain the ground vibrational energy of H 2 to within 0.14 cm −1 of the exact value. In addition, the wave functions satisfy physical boundary conditions as r approaches 0 and ∞.
The use of a secondary catalyst bed to increase incinerator destruction efficiency

Many incinerators in Texas and the USA are required to achieve 95-99% destruction efficiency. Over time incinerator efficiency may drop due to leaks developing in older equipment, resulting in bypass of catalyst beds or heat exchangers. The use of an additional catalyst bed on the incinerator exhaust stack is an economical way to boost the efficiency back to acceptable levels. The secondary catalyst bed is also efficient in converting CO to CO 2 and oxidizing other products of incomplete combustion (PICs). Following is a case history of a 12 year old incinerator at IBM-Austin which was retrofitted with a secondary catalyst bed and successfully achieved 99% destruction in VOCs and reduction in PICs by an order of magnitude
The Dynamics of Commodity Spot and Futures Markets: A Primer

I discuss the short-run dynamics of commodity prices, production, and inventories, as well as the sources and effects of market volatility. I explain how prices, rates of production, ana’ inventory levels are interrelated, and are determined via equilibrium in two interconnected markets: a cash market for spot purchases and sales of the commodity, and a market for storage. I show how equilibrium in these markets affects and is affected by changes in the level qf price volatility. I also explain the role and behavior of commodity futures markets, and the relationship between spot prices, futures prices, and inventoql behavior. I illustrate these ideas with data for the petroleum complex - crude oil, heating oil, and gasoline - over the past two decades.
A Company Town on Common Waters: Standard Oil in the Calumet

AbstractIn the last decade of the nineteenth century, the Standard Oil Company undertook an extraordinary experiment to build a company town in northwest Indiana’s Calumet region. The history of St...
Age-Associated Variation in Sensory Perception of Iron in Drinking Water and the Potential for Overexposure in the Human Population

Humans interact with their environment through the five senses, but little is known about population variability in the ability to assess contaminants. Sensory thresholds and biochemical indicators of metallic flavor perception in humans were evaluated for ferrous (Fe2+) iron in drinking water; subjects aged 19–84 years participated. Metallic flavor thresholds for individuals and subpopulations based on age were determined. Oral lipid oxidation and oral pH were measured in saliva as potential biochemical indicators. Individual thresholds were 0.007–14.14 mg/L Fe2+ and the overall population threshold was 0.17 mg/L Fe2+ in reagent water. Average thresholds for individuals younger and older than 50 years of age (grouped by the daily recommended nutritional guidelines for iron intake) were significantly different (p = 0.013); the population thresholds for each group were 0.045 mg/L Fe2+ and 0.498 mg/L Fe2+, respectively. Many subjects >50 and a few subjects <50 years were insensitive to metallic flavor. Ther...
Simulating Team Formation in Social Networks

This research examines the problem of team formation in social networks. Agents, each possessing certain skills, are given tasks that require particular combinations of skills, and they must form teams to complete the tasks and receive payoffs. However, agents can only join teams to which they have direct connections in the social network. We find that a simple, locally-rational team formation strategy can form team configurations with near-optimal earnings, though this greedy hill-climbing search does converge to sub optimal local maxima. Under this strategy, a variety of random graph topologies not only achieve earnings competitive with complete graphs, but also are much more efficient, achieving these results in less time and with far fewer connections between agents. Several variations were tested, the best results for average earnings and equality occurred when groups were allowed to merge and expel agents, and when groups were fully connected during formation.
Successful Completion of SIM-PlanetQuest Technology

Optical interferometry will open new vistas for astronomy over the next decade. The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM-PlanetQuest), operating unfettered by the Earth's atmosphere, will offer unprecedented astrometric precision that promises the discovery of Earth-class extra-solar planets as well as a wealth of important astrophysics. Optical interferometers also present severe technological challenges: laser metrology systems must perform with sub-nanometer precision; mechanical vibrations must be controlled to nanometers requiring orders of magnitude disturbance rejection; a multitude of actuators and sensors must operate flawlessly and in concert. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, with the support of Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (LM ATC) and Northrop Grumman Space Technology (NGST), has addressed these challenges with a technology development program that is now complete. Technology transfer to the SIM flight team is now well along and the project is proceeding toward Preliminary Design Review (PDR) with a quickening pace.
Clinical Presentation of Women Readmitted With Postpartum Severe Preeclampsia or Eclampsia

Objective: To identify symptoms that prompted a group of women readmitted for postpartum severe preeclampsia or eclampsia to seek medical care. Design: Retrospective, case-control. Setting: Tertiary-care teaching hospital. Subjects: The study group consisted of 53 women readmitted in the postpartum period with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. The control group was matched two-to-one with an index study participant and consisted of 106 women who had intrapartum severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. Main Outcome Measures: Patient symptoms, physical findings, laboratory assays. Results: Neurologic complaints, malaise, and nausea and vomiting were reported more often in women who were readmitted than in mothers with intrapartum preeclampsia (all p values less than .001). Headaches were positively correlated with systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure in women who were readmitted (all p values less than .05), although there was no relationship between blood pressure and headaches in the control group. In addition, multivariate analysis revealed that study participants were more likely to deliver at full term, have headaches and malaise, have normal platelet values, and develop seizures than mothers in the control group, x 2 = 155.7, p Conclusions: Women readmitted for postpartum severe preeclampsia or eclampsia have a clinical presentation that differs from that of intrapartum preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Quantitative in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of multiple sclerosis at 7 Tesla with sensitivity to iron.

Objective Magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla produces high-resolution gradient-echo phase images of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) that quantify the local field shifts from iron in the basal ganglia and lesions. Phase imaging is easily integrated into clinical examinations because it is a postprocessing technique and does not require additional scanning. The purpose of this study was to quantify local field shifts in MS and to investigate their relation to disease duration and disability status. Methods Thirty-two subjects including 19 patients with MS and 13 age- and sex-matched control subjects were scanned at a spatial resolution of up to 195 × 260μm. Data were postprocessed to produce anatomical quantitative phase images of local field shifts, as well as conventional magnitude images. Results The phase images showed an increased local field in the caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus of patients relative to control subjects (p < 0.01). The local field in the caudate was strongly correlated with disease duration (r2 = 0.77; p < 0.001). Phase images showed contrast in 74% of the 403 lesions, increasing the total lesion count by more than 30% and showing distinct peripheral rings and a close association with vasculature. Interpretation The increased field in the basal ganglia and correlation with disease duration suggest pathological iron content increases in MS. The peripheral phase rings are consistent with histological data demonstrating iron-rich macrophages at the periphery of a subset of lesions. The clearly defined vessels penetrating MS lesions should increase our ability to detect focal vascular abnormalities specifically related to demyelinating processes. Ann Neurol 2008;64:707–713
Probing small length scales in heavy-ion collisions with event-by-event correlation analysis

Abstract I consider recent proposals of fluctuation suppression for certain global event variables in heavy-ion collisions as a signature of QGP formation. I relate these proposals to possible formation of a pion lattice at chemical freezeout due to rapid traversal of the QCD phase boundary reflecting the greater symmetry of a locally equilibrated prehadronic state. I then present a method to detect this structure in the transverse phase space of heavy-ion collisions which depends on a newly-identified effect of local transverse Hubble flow on two-particle distributions and suggest that such structure may have been observed already in the transverse phase space of Pb-Pb collisions at the SPS.
Fibrosarcoma--a clinicopathologic and statistical study of 199 tumors of the soft tissues of the extremities and trunk.

The records of all adult patients with soft-tissue fibrosarcoma of the extremities or limb girdles treated at the Mayo Clinic between 1910 and 1968 were studied. Histologic sections of each tumor were reviewed. Of 330 patients with an original diagnosis of fibrosarcoma, 18 were excluded because of insufficient histologic material, and 113 were excluded because of revised diagnoses. The tumors from the remaining 199 patients were graded according to microscopic criteria. The 4 grades were correlated with information obtained at followup, and survival data were analyzed. A striking relationship of survival with grade was demonstrated. Patients selected for radical surgical treatment achieved improved survival for every category studied; however, there was no significant difference in survival for patients treated with wide excision as compared with those treated by amputation. Based on the more recent data from patients with primary fibrosarcoma, the probability of surviving 5 years is 60%.
Quantum field theory at finite temperature in a rotating system

The finite-temperature Green's-function formalism is extended to the case of relativistic rotating systems. Free scalar, spinor, and electromagnetic Green's functions for a rotating system are obtained. As an application of the formalism, the neutrino parity-violating current is calculated. The result agrees with previous calculations where different methods have been used.