cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress and sleep quality: The moderating role of negative affectivity

Abstract This study was designed to examine the influence of two personality variables (negative affectivity [NA] and positive affectivity [PA]) and three work-related stressors (interpersonal conflict, workload, and perceived ambiguity) on a multi-dimensional measure of sleep quality (going to bed, falling asleep, maintaining sleep, reinitiating sleep, and waking up). Three hundred and forty-seven female and 120 male undergraduates participated in the study. Our results indicated that (a) individuals high in NA tended to report lower quality sleep than individuals low in NA; (b) individuals high in PA tended to report higher levels of sleep quality than individuals low in PA; (c) sleep quality tended to relate negatively with interpersonal conflict, work demands, and job ambiguity; and (d) NA moderated the relationships between interpersonal conflict and sleep quality and between perceived ambiguity and sleep quality. Our findings are the first to show that personality and work-related stress influences different aspects of sleep quality. In addition, our findings are partially supportive of the hyper-responsivity role of negative affectivity which suggests that NA operates to amplify individuals’ perceptions of and reactions to negative environmental events. However, our results suggest that the hyper-responsivity model might be more complex than previously indicated.
ABUNDANCES OF RED GIANTS IN OLD OPEN CLUSTERS. III. NGC 7142

We present an analysis of high-dispersion echelle spectra of four giant stars in the 4 Gyr open cluster NGC 7142 obtained with the KPNO 4 m telescope. Abundances were determined relative to the bright, mildly metal-poor giant Arcturus. NGC 7142 is found to have a mean [Fe/H] = +0.14 ± 0.01 (standard deviation) relative to the Sun, with an estimated uncertainty of 0.12 dex per star. Oxygen abundances, determined from the forbidden [O I] λ6300 A feature, are slightly sub-solar, while the α-elements are slightly enhanced to ~0.1 dex above solar. Na and Al are enhanced ~0.2 dex relative to scaled solar abundances. These abundance patterns are similar to those reported for other open clusters in the literature, and suggest that the Galactic disk underwent rapid chemical enrichment in early phases of its evolution. Finally, comparison of these results to those found from lower-dispersion WIYN 3.5 m HYDRA spectra of the cluster stars shows them to be comparable within the errors, verifying that detailed abundance analyses of HYDRA spectra are reliable and can be directly compared to analyses of higher-dispersion data.
An informational efficiency perspective on the post-earnings announcement drift

Abstract This paper presents evidence indicating that the magnitude of the post-earnings-announcement drift is positively related to the direct and indirect costs of trading. Share price and annual dollar trading volume are chosen to proxy for the inverse of direct and indirect costs of trading, respectively. Drift is found to be inversely related to both these variables and these relations subsume the previously documented inverse relation between drift and firm size. The paper's evidence suggests that transactions costs are an important determinant of the efficiency of capital markets.
Meson hyperfine splittings and asymptotic freedom

Abstract Meson hyperfine splittings give empirical evidence that the short-ranged part of the potential binding quarks has the behavior expected of single color gluon exchange in an asymptotically free theory. Since the interaction of light confined quarks depends on only one length scale, while that of heavy confined quarks depends on two length scales, it is argued that the spin-dependent interactions are qualitatively different in the cases. Phenomenological evidence suggests that the spin-dependent interactions of light quarks are short-ranged only, while that of heavy quarks are predominantly long-ranged. It is proposed that a measurement of the F∗-F mass-difference will help clarify the nature of a possible long-ranged spin-spin interaction of strange quarks.
Characterization of nafion® membranes by transmission electron microscopy

Abstract Nafion® membranes were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both solution casting and positive staining techniques were employed. The staining of solution-cast Nafion® membrane by RuO4 vapor led to good image contrast so that the ionic cluster domains in the membrane could be clearly observed. The TEM micrographs indicated the presence of three phases: ionic cluster phase, an organic matrix phase and an interfacial phase. The spherical ionic clusters were surrounded by the interracial phase and were uniformly distributed across the membrane; the average size of the clusters was found to be 25 to 50 A. The staining mechanism was investigated by analyzing the ruthenium content of stained membranes by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and by comparing the FTIR spectra of stained and unstained membranes. It was concluded that the staining reaction involved the oxidation of absorbed water by RuO4 vapor to give RuO2 microparticles.
Immobilizing Antigens of Tetrahymena pyriformis

SYNOPSIS. Studies cf 3 conjugating strains of Tetrahymena pyriformis grown in a bacterized medium indicated the presence of a system of alternative immobilizing surface antigens. Each strain was found to have the potential for the expression of 3 serologically unrelated antigens. These consisted of a “high temperature” antigen (expressed in the range of 20–35dC), a “low temperature” antigen (exhibited in cultures at 10d), and an antigen induced by growth in the presence of the above-mentioned “high temperature” antiserum. Normally, by the immobilization reaction, only one of these antigens could be detected as present on any one organism at any given time. The “high temperature” antigens of two of the strains were serclogically related while that of the 3rd strain did not cross-react with antisera to the other two. The “low temperature” antigens of the 3 strains were serologically related as were the antigens induced by growth in antiserum. Studies of inbred hybrids of two of the strains indicated a potential for still more alternative antigens as well as for the spontaneous expression of the antigen which in the parental strains could only be induced to appear by the presence of the specific antiserum. Study of the 3 strains in axenic medium indicated the existence of a more complex system and the possibility that two or more immobilizing antigens may be present simultaneously.
Instant foodie: predicting expert ratings from grassroots

Consumer review sites and recommender systems typically rely on a large volume of user-contributed ratings, which makes rating acquisition an essential component in the design of such systems. User ratings are then summarized to provide an aggregate score representing a popular evaluation of an item. An inherent problem in such summarization is potential bias due to raters self-selection and heterogeneity in terms of experience, tastes and rating scale interpretation. There are two major approaches to collecting ratings, which have different advantages and disadvantages. One is to allow a large number of volunteers to choose and rate items directly (a method employed by e.g. Yelp and Google Places). Alternatively, a panel of raters may be maintained and invited to rate a predefined set of items at regular intervals (such as in Zagat Survey). The latter approach arguably results in more consistent reviews and reduced selection bias, however, at the expense of much smaller coverage (fewer rated items).In this paper, we examine the two different approaches to collecting user ratings of restaurants and explore the question of whether it is possible to reconcile them. Specifically, we study the problem of inferring the more calibrated Zagat Survey ratings (which we dub 'expert ratings') from the user-generated ratings ('grassroots') in Google Places. To that effect, we employ latent factor models and provide a probabilistic treatment of the ordinal rankings. We can predict Zagat Survey ratings accurately from ad hoc user-generated ratings by joint optimization on two datasets. We analyze the resulting model, and find that users become more discerning as they submit more ratings. We also describe an approach towards cross-city recommendations, answering questions such as 'What is the equivalent of the Per Se restaurant in Chicago'?
Transhiatal stapled esophagojejunostomy without a pursestring suture in patients with previous gastric resection.

Abstract Previous gastric resection complicates alimentary tract reconstruction after esophagectomy. Colonic interposition is the standard conduit in this circumstance, but has substantial mortality and morbidity, especially important when treatment goals are to provide effective alimentation and minimize hospital stay. This report details the technique of a transabdominal, intrathoracic, stapled esophagojejunostomy created without a pursestring suture, which was used to reconstruct the esophagus in 3 patients who had previously undergone partial gasttectomy. This technique avoids both colon interposition and thoracotomy, thereby minimizing the associated complications.
Application of the Schwinger variational principle to electron-ion scattering in the static-exchange approximation

The authors present a method for applying the Schwinger variational principle to the scattering of low-energy electrons by molecular ions. Numerical procedures for its application in the static-exchange approximation are specifically discussed. As examples, the s- and p-wave phase shifts for e-He+ are obtained. The procedure also provides the electron continuum wave functions which can be used to obtain photoionization cross sections. The resulting cross sections for photoionization of the ground and metastable states of the He are seen to be accurate.
Periprosthetic patellar fractures.

The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the skeleton. Located within an expansion of the quadriceps tendon, the patella allows an increased functional lever arm of the quadriceps and enhances the mechanical advantage of the extensor mechanism of the knee. In addition, it provides an articulating surface with a low coefficient of friction, protects the native and prosthetic knee from trauma, protects the quadriceps tendon and extensor mechanism from frictional irritation, and affects the cosmetic appearance of the knee1. Because of its biomechanical importance, any problems involving the patella or the patellar component of a total knee prosthesis can have a substantial effect on overall knee function. In fact, patellar complications following total knee arthroplasty have been a well-documented source of discomfort and disability2-6. Although infrequent, periprosthetic fractures of the patella remain a challenge for even the most experienced joint reconstruction surgeons. This is largely due to the discouraging results that are common following the treatment of all but nondisplaced patellar fractures. Even with meticulous anatomic fracture reduction, healing, and reconstitution of the extensor mechanism, return to prefracture function is rare7. …
The MIDAS display system

Abstract The Molecular Interactive Display and Simulation (MIDAS) system is designed to display and manipulate large macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Several ancillary programs allow for such features as computing the surface of a molecule, selecting an active site region within a molecule, and computing electrostatic charge potentials. At the core of MIDAS is a hierarchical database system, designed specifically for macromolecules, that is both compact in its storage requirements and fast in its data access.
From Business To Government—A Review Article

In many instances the recruitment of outstanding business executives for [federal] posts is both unfair to the individual and of no advantage to the executive branch.
pH dependence of catalytic activity for ORR of the non-PGM catalyst derived from heat-treated Fe–phenanthroline

Abstract The effect of pH on the ORR efficiency of catalysts derived from heat-treated Fe–phenanthroline is analyzed using a rotating ring-disc electrode (RRDE). The activity of pyrolyzed Fe–phenanthroline catalysts was tested in electrolyte solutions with pHs ranging from 1 to 13.7. Fe–phenanthroline has a half-wave potential that remains steady at 0.7 V from pH 1 to pH 7 and linearly increases from pH 7 to the maximum 0.9 V at pH 13.7. The percent hydrogen peroxide detected on the ring was below 5% over all pHs at steady state potentials. The RRDE results were analyzed using Koutecky–Levich and charge/mass balance methods. The kinetic current ( i k ) linearly decreases from pH 1 to pH 7 where it reaches a minimum and linearly increases from pH 7 to 13.7 indicating that the ORR reaction with OH − proceeds slower than with H + as the substrate. The number of electrons transferred decreases from 3.77 ± 0.09 (pH 1) to 2.38 ± 0.11 (pH 13.7) electrons according to the Koutecky–Levich analysis. The charge/mass balance analysis yielded the number of electrons transferred to be just under 4 electrons from pH 1 to pH 12, with a sharp decrease from pH 12 to pH 13.7. The results from the E 1/2 and Koutecky–Levich analysis, when taken together, indicate a mechanism shift taking place at pH 7 resulting from changes in the double-layer structure and the reaction mechanisms.
Context-aware scientific workflow systems using KEPLER

Data intensive scientific workflows are often modelled using a dataflow-oriented model. The simplicity of a dataflow model facilitates intuitive workflow design, analysis and optimisation. However, some amount of control flow modelling is often necessary for engineering fault tolerant, robust and adaptive workflows. In scientific domain, myriads of environment information are needed for controlling different stages of execution. Modelling the control flow using inherent dataflow constructs will quickly result in a workflow that is hard to comprehend, reuse and maintain. In this paper, we propose a context-aware architecture for scientific workflows. By incorporating contexts within a dataflow-oriented scientific workflow system, we enable the development of context-aware scientific workflows without the need to use numerous low level control flow actors. This approach results in a workflow that is aware of its environment during execution with minimal user input and that responds intelligently based on such awareness at runtime. A further advantage of our approach is that the defined contexts can be reused and shared across other workflows. We demonstrate our approach with two prototype implementations of context-aware actors in KEPLER.
Should U.S. Women Be Screened for Cervical Cancer With Pap Tests, HPV Tests, or Both?

In April 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Cobas HPV [human papillomavirus] test to be used alone to screen for cervical cancer in women aged 25 years or older. This commenta...
A dynamic model of colonic concentrations of delayed-release 5-aminosalicylic acid (Asacol).

SUMMARY Backround 5-ASA in a pH sensitive tablet (Asacol) is administered as three doses ⁄ day to treat ulcerative colitis. Once daily dosing may improve patient adherence. Simulation of colonic levels of 5-ASA can be used to compare dosing regimens. Aim To create a dynamic model of colonic concentrations of delayed-release 5-aminosalicylic acid (Asacol). Methods Using published data, we created a computer model with STELLA software to simulate amounts of colonic 5-ASA in the total colon, right, transverse, descending and sigmoid ⁄ rectum after daily and three time ⁄ day Asacol. Results The model predicted similar total and regional amounts of 5-ASA with both regimens. Distribution of 5-ASA was 38% in the right colon, 33% in the transverse colon and 14% each in the descending and sigmoid ⁄ rectal colon. Simulated increases in colonic motility and defecation rate exaggerated this 5-ASA distribution, resulting in negligible amounts of 5-ASA in the sigmoid ⁄ rectal region. Conclusions This computer model suggests that Asacol can be administered as a single daily dose. The model supports experimental and clinical observations that alternate dose or route of administration may be necessary to achieve adequate 5-ASA amounts in the distal colon during acute exacerbations of ulcerative colitis. This simulation cannot account for all sources of variability in the clinical setting, but provides a rationale for further investigation.
An Alternative Approach to Cosmogony and Cosmology

Some problems associated with the big bang cosmological model are briefly discussed. It is shown that the quasi-steady state model (QSSC) is a viable alternative. Moreover, the cosmogony related to this theory is supported by the observations.
Electron Confinement in Structurally Constrained σ-Bonded π-Systems. An Experimental and Density Functional Investigation

We have explored the effect of resonance overlap on electronic communication in σ-bonded π-systems through a combined experimental and computational investigation. The system studied consists of a series of diphenyl-substituted acenaphthofluoranthenes and fluoranthenes with constrained dihedral angles between polycyclic core and phenyl substituents of 90°, 70°, and 15°. The spin density distribution within the radical anions of these conformationally restricted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was assessed via DFT-B3LYP calculations validated through SEEPR-derived experimental hyperfine coupling constants (hfc's). Orthogonal subsystems were essentially insulated, while substantial delocalization of spin density was observed for near-planar subsystems. The insulation of the phenyl substituents combined with the possibility of forming ladder-type polymers makes the orthogonal diphenyl-substituted acenaphthofluoranthenes intriguing building-blocks for molecular electronics.
Luminal vesicles in endothelial cells of retinal and iridial vessels of the rat

Endothelial vesicles on the luminal front of retinal and iridial vessels were studied by perfusion fixation after intravenous injection of peroxidase, and by perfusion fixation of glutaraldehyde with tannic acid or ruthenium red. Many luminal vesicles contained peroxidase reaction product after intravenous injection of peroxidase, but were virtually empty after perfusion fixation. Both tannic acid and ruthenium red delineated the majority of luminal vesicles, singular or in clusters, surface-associated or “free” in the cytoplasm. Only a few free vesicles were unlabeled by the dye. No transendothelial channels were seen. The results suggest that most of the vesicles on the luminal front of endothelial cells are continuous with the cell surface at the time of fixation. The function of these vesicles is not fully understood; some appear to be involved in endocytosis of macromolecules from the vascular lumen.
Phylogenetic Relationships of Clawed Lobster Genera (Decapoda : Nephropidae) Based on Mitochondrial 16S rRNA Gene Sequences

ABSTRACT Approximately 350 base pairs (bp) of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were used to study the phylogenetic relationships among 5 genera of the clawed lobster family Nephropidae (infraorder Astacidea), including Homarus, Homarinus, Metanephrops, Nephrops, and Nephropsis. Maximumparsimony analysis, using a hermit crab, Pagurus pollicaris (infraorder Anomura), as an outgroup, produced a tree topology in which Homarus and Nephrops formed a well-supported clade that excluded Homarinus. The same tree topology was obtained from both neighbor-joining and maximumlikelihood analyses. Some morphological characters that appear synapomorphic for Nephrops and Metanephrops may be due to convergence rather than symplesiomorphy. The current taxonomy, therefore, does not reflect the phylogeny of this group as suggested by the molecular data. More molecular data and studies using homologous morphological characters are needed to reach a better understanding of the phylogenetic history of clawed lobsters.
A scaling analysis for point–particle approaches to turbulent multiphase flows

Abstract Simple dimensional arguments are used in establishing three different regimes of particle time scale, where explicit expression for particle Reynolds number and Stokes number are obtained as a function of nondimensional particle size ( d / η ) and density ratio. From a comparative analysis of the different computational approaches available for turbulent multiphase flows it is argued that the point–particle approach is uniquely suited to address turbulent multiphase flows where the Stokes number, defined as the ratio of particle time scale to Kolmogorov time scale ( τ p / τ k ) , is greater than 1. The Stokes number estimate has been used to establish parameter range where point–particle approach is ideally suited. The point–particle approach can be extended to handle “finite-sized” particles whose diameter approach that of the smallest resolved eddies. However, new challenges arise in the implementation of Lagrangian–Eulerian coupling between the particles and the carrier phase. An approach where the inter-phase momentum and energy coupling can be separated into a deterministic and a stochastic contribution has been suggested.
Photoelectric Observations of Band Strengths in Comet Kohoutek (1973f)

Abstract Photoelectric observations of the strength of the CN band at 3880 A and of the C 2 bands at 5165 A and 5635 A were obtained on eight nights from January 13, 1974 to February 21, 1974. Observations were limited to the nucleus and inner coma.
An OS-Hypervisor Infrastructure for Automated OS Crash Diagnosis and Recovery in a Virtualized Environment

Recovering from OS crashes has traditionally been done using reboot or checkpoint-restart mechanisms. Such techniques either fail to preserve the state before the crash happens or require modifications to applications. To eliminate these problems, we present a novel OS-hyper visor infrastructure for automated OS crash diagnosis and recovery in virtual servers. Our approach uses a small hidden OS-repair-image that is dynamically created from the healthy running OS instance. Upon an OS crash, the hyper visor automatically loads this repair-image to perform diagnosis and repair. The offending process is then quarantined, and the fixed OS automatically resumes running without a reboot. Our experimental evaluations demonstrated that it takes less than 3 seconds to recover from an OS crash. This approach can significantly reduce the downtime and maintenance costs in data centers. This is the first design and implementation of an OS-hyper visor combo capable of automatically resurrecting a crashed commercial server-OS.
Hydrophobic hydration of thymine

The solubilities of adenine in water, thymine in methanol, and uracil in methanol were determined over the temperature range 15–40°C. From these and previously reported data the thermodynamic functions for the transfer of the solute from water to methanol were calculated. The differences in transfer functions for uracil and thymine are due to hydrophobic hydration of the methyl group of thymine.
Rejoinder—Police cynicism: Theory development and reconstruction

(1987). Rejoinder—Police cynicism: Theory development and reconstruction. Justice Quarterly: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 281-286.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF WILD SONGBIRDS TO THE HOUSE FINCH STRAIN OF MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM

Conjunctivitis in house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), was first reported in 1994 and, since this time, has become endemic in house finch populations throughout eastern North America. Although the house finch is most commonly associated with MG-related conjunctivitis, MG has been reported from other wild bird species, and conjunctivitis (not confirmed as MG related) has been reported in over 30 species. To help define the host range of the house finch strain of MG and to better understand the effect of MG on other host species, we monitored a community of wild birds for exposure to MG and conducted experimental infections on nine avian species. For the field portion of our study, we conducted a 9-mo survey (August 2001 to April 2002) of wild avian species in a peri-urban environment on the campus of Auburn University. During this time 358 birds, representing 13 different families, were sampled. No clinical signs of mycoplasmosis were observed in any bird. Thirteen...
Predicting physical processes in the presence of faulty sensor readings

A common problem in the operation of mission critical control systems is that of determining the future value of a physical quantity based upon past measurements of it or of related quantities. Some of the sources of variability that make this problem difficult include imprecision due to measurement error, measurements that change with time, and intermittent failures leading to faulty measurements. We present a novel solution to this problem based upon the following hypotheses: each measurement is presented as a time-stamped interval that contains the correct value of the physical quantity; the underlying process describing the physical quantity is linear or a low-degree polynomial; and up to f of the n measurements may be arbitrarily faulty, where n/spl ges/2(f+1). For a given future time t/sub o/, our algorithm produces the smallest set of possible values that the function may take at time t/sub o/. For linear functions, our algorithm runs in time O(n/sup 2/), and for degree-d polynomials it runs in time O(n/sup d+1/).
Prostate Stem Cell Antigen Vaccination Induces a Long-term Protective Immune Response against Prostate Cancer in the Absence of Autoimmunity

Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is an attractive antigen to target using therapeutic vaccines because of its overexpression in prostate cancer, especially in metastatic tissues, and its limited expression in other organs. Our studies offer the first evidence that a PSCA-based vaccine can induce long-term protection against prostate cancer development in prostate cancer-prone transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice. Eight-week-old TRAMP mice displaying prostate intraepithelial neoplasia were vaccinated with a heterologous prime/boost strategy consisting of gene gun-delivered PSCA-cDNA followed by Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replicons encoding PSCA. Our results show the induction of an immune response against a newly defined PSCA epitope that is mediated primarily by CD8 T cells. The prostates of PSCA-vaccinated mice were infiltrated by CD4-positive, CD8-positive, CD11b-positive, and CD11c-positive cells. Vaccination induced MHC class I expression and cytokine production [IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, and IL-5] within prostate tumors. This tumor microenvironment correlated with low Gleason scores and weak PSCA staining on tumor cells present in hyperplastic zones and in areas that contained focal and well-differentiated adenocarcinomas. PSCA-vaccinated TRAMP mice had a 90% survival rate at 12 months of age. In contrast, all control mice had succumbed to prostate cancer or had heavy tumor loads. Crucially, this long-term protective immune response was not associated with any measurable induction of autoimmunity. The possibility of inducing long-term protection against prostate cancer by vaccination at the earliest signs of its development has the potential to cause a dramatic paradigm shift in the treatment of this disease.
Absence of circulating IgG immune Complexes in C57Bl/6 mice with age-associated renal IgG deposits.

The L1210 enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELIA) for circulating immune complexes, previously developed for use in humans, has been adapted for use in mice. The assay detected elevated levels of immune complexes in 100% of NZB/W female mice (6-10 months old) with age-related immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. Application of the assay to the serum of one year old C5TB1/6 male mice failed to demonstrate elevated levels of serum immune complexes in spite of the routine finding of renal deposition of IgG plus proteinuria in aged mice of this strain. Since the LI210 ELIA detects all IgG-containing immune complexes, regardless of size or complement fixing capacity, these results suggest that the renal IgG deposits seen in aged C57B1/6 mice are not derived from circulating IgG immune complexes.
Kinetic control of Mg2+-dependent melting of duplex DNA ends by Escherichia coli RecBC.

E. coli RecBCD is a highly processive DNA helicase involved in double strand break repair and recombination that possesses two helicase/translocase subunits with opposite translocation directionality (RecB (3' to 5') and RecD (5' to 3')). RecBCD has previously been shown to melt out ∼5−6 base pairs upon binding to a blunt-ended duplex DNA in a Mg 2+ -dependent, but ATP- independent reaction. Here we examine the binding of E. coli RecBC helicase (minus RecD), also a processive helicase, to duplex DNA ends in the presence and absence of Mg 2+ in order to determine if RecBC can also melt a duplex DNA end in the absence of ATP. Equilibrium binding of RecBC to DNA substrates with ends possessing pre-formed 3' and/or 5'-single stranded (ss)-(dT)n flanking regions (tails) (n varying from zero to 20 nucleotides) was examined by competition with a fluorescently labeled reference DNA and by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The presence of Mg 2+ enhances the affinity of RecBC for DNA ends possessing 3' or 5'-(dT)n ss-DNA tails with n < 6 nucleotides, with the relative enhancement decreasing as n increases from zero to six nucleotides. No effect of Mg 2+ was observed for either the binding constant or the enthalpy of binding (ΔHobs) for RecBC binding to DNA with ss-DNA tail lengths, n ≥ 6 nucleotides. Upon RecBC binding to a blunt duplex DNA end in the presence of Mg 2+ , at least four base pairs at the duplex end become accessible to KMnO4 attack, consistent with melting of the duplex end. Since Mg 2+ has no effect on the affinity or binding enthalpy of RecBC for a DNA end that is fully pre-melted, this suggests that the role of Mg 2+ is to overcome a kinetic barrier to melting of the DNA by RecBC and presumably also by RecBCD. These data also provide an accurate estimate (ΔHobs = 8 ± 1 kcal/mol) for the average enthalpy change associated with the melting of a DNA base pair by RecBC.
Lesions of the Basal Forebrain Cholinergic System Impair Task Acquisition and Abolish Cortical Plasticity Associated with Motor Skill Learning

The contribution of the basal forebrain cholinergic system in mediating plasticity of cortical sensorimotor representations was examined in the context of normal learning. The effects of specific basal forebrain cholinergic lesions upon cortical reorganization associated with learning a skilled motor task were investigated, addressing, for the first time, the functional consequences of blocking cortical map plasticity. Results demonstrate that disrupting basal forebrain cholinergic function disrupts cortical map reorganization and impairs motor learning. Cholinergic lesions do not impair associative fear learning or overall sensorimotor function. These results support the hypothesis that the basal forebrain cholinergic system may be specifically implicated in forms of learning requiring plasticity of cortical representations.
Assessment of visual quality and spatial accuracy of fast anisotropic diffusion and scan conversion algorithms for real-time three-dimensional spherical ultrasound

Three-dimensional ultrasound machines based on matrix phased-array transducers are gaining predominance for real-time dynamic screening in cardiac and obstetric practice. These transducers array acquire three-dimensional data in spherical coordinates along lines tiled in azimuth and elevation angles at incremental depth. This study aims at evaluating fast filtering and scan conversion algorithms applied in the spherical domain prior to visualization into Cartesian coordinates for visual quality and spatial measurement accuracy. Fast 3d scan conversion algorithms were implemented and with different order interpolation kernels. Downsizing and smoothing of sampling artifacts were integrated in the scan conversion process. In addition, a denoising scheme for spherical coordinate data with 3d anisotropic diffusion was implemented and applied prior to scan conversion to improve image quality. Reconstruction results under different parameter settings, such as different interpolation kernels, scaling factor, smoothing options, and denoising, are reported. Image quality was evaluated on several data sets via visual inspections and measurements of cylinder objects dimensions. Error measurements of the cylinder's radius, reported in this paper, show that the proposed fast scan conversion algorithm can correctly reconstruct three-dimensional ultrasound in Cartesian coordinates under tuned parameter settings. Denoising via three-dimensional anisotropic diffusion was able to greatly improve the quality of resampled data without affecting the accuracy of spatial information after the modification of the introduction of a variable gradient threshold parameter.
The WTO core agreement, non-trade issues and institutional integrity

WTO member countries understand the core agreement of the organization to consist of binding reciprocal market access achieved through multilateral negotiation, and supported by a system of trade policy rules and dispute settlement. Attempts to introduce social chapters into the WTO would compromise the core agreement. Specifically, authorizing the use of trade sanctions to pursue non-trade goals would diminish the value of the WTO to its members, and undermine the global trading system. WTO agreements and rules can be reconciled with environmental goals, the improvement of labor standards and the promotion of human rights through the development and strengthening of international institutions dedicated to these issues. Efforts by governments to promote new global institutions and international agreements would thereby remove political barriers to trade liberalization.
Born effective charges, dielectric constants, and lattice dynamics of KNbO3

Abstract We performed first principles LAPW linear response calculations for KNbO3 in the cubic, experimental tetragonal, and theoretical ground state rhombohedral structures. We found that the Born effective charges and dielectric constants strongly depend on the small atomic displacements involved in the ferroelectric phase transitions. We also calculated the zone center phonons for the cubic structure and compared them with previous LDA results.
Effect of Trihalomethanes on Cell Proliferation and DNA Methylation in Female B6C3F1 Mouse Liver

Trihalomethanes (chloroform, bromodichloromethane, chlorodibromomethane, and bromoform) are regulated organic contaminants in chlorinated drinking water. In female B6C3F1 mouse liver, the 4 trihalomethanes have demonstrated carcinogenic activity when administered by oral gavage; however, chloroform was not carcinogenic when administered in drinking water. Female B6C3F1 mice were administered the trihalomethanes for 11 days by gavage at 2 dose levels or in the drinking water at approximately 75% saturation. When administered by gavage, the trihalomethanes were toxic to the liver, increased the liver:body weight (bw) ratio, and increased the proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labeling index (PCNA-LI). Chloroform and bromodichloromethane were the most toxic, and they increased the liver:bw ratio the most, while bromoform and chloroform increased the PCNA-LI the most. When administered in drinking water, the toxicity of the trihalomethanes was similar to their low gavage-dose. Furthermore, only chloroform significantly increased the liver:bw ratio and bromoform and chloroform increased the PCNA-LI. Chloroform and bromodichloromethane decreased the level of 5-methylcytosine in hepatic DNA. Methylation in the promoter region of the c-myc gene was reduced by the trihalomethanes. Chloroform administered by gavage was more efficacious than given in drinking water; the efficacy of the other trihalomethanes did not differ for the 2 routes. Thus, in mouse liver, the trihalomethanes administered by gavage enhanced cell proliferation and decreased the methylation of the c-myc gene, consistent with their carcinogenic activity. Furthermore, the more modest toxicity, enhancement of cell proliferation, and decreased methylation induced by chloroform administered in drinking water correlated with its lack of carcinogenic activity. Hence, the activity of the trihalomethanes was dependent on the rate of delivery, i.e. rapid by oral gavage and more slowly in drinking water.
Perfectionism in Gifted Students: An Overview of Current Research:

This article provides an overview of the current research on perfectionism in gifted students, including different typologies of perfectionism, influences on the development of perfectionism, and t...
Serial APACHE III Scoring for Acute Renal Failure in the Intensive Care Unit

Severity stratification and prediction models are important tools for gauging outcomes in critically ill patients. However, most severity scoring systems are inaccurate when attempting to predict mortality in individuals with acute renal failure (ARF), including the APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II scoring system. APACHE III scoring encompasses a greater array of physiologic parameters that may better correlate with outcome in ARF. We evaluated APACHE II and APACHE III scoring in 27 individuals admitted to the intensive acre unit (ICU) with ARF requiring dialysis. We also evaluated the predictive value of serial APACHE III scoring on mortality. Sixteen of the study subjects were discharged alive from the ICU. APACHE II scores for ICU survivors versus nonsurvivors were not significantly different at the outset of dialysis treatment, though they did discriminate between survivors and nonsurvivors at 48 hours (survivors 15 ± 6.2; nonsurvivors 18.1 ± 6.9; p= 0.019). However, average APACHE III scores for survivors were significantly less than those for nonsurvivors on all days of score collection, including at the outset of dialysis (day 0 survivors 94.7 ± 22.1; nonsurvivors 106.8 ± 21.7; p= 0.03). APACHE III scores on day 2 also discriminated between those who recovered renal function (83.6 ± 16.7) compared to those who did not (105.6 ± 21.4) (p= 0.05). Serial APACHE III scoring provided rapid and reproducible scoring that differentiated between survivors and nonsurvivors in a group of critically ill patients with ARF. This study suggests that further investigations are warranted to confirm whether serial APACHE III scoring should be considered as an adjunct clinical tool in caring for individuals with ARF in the ICU.
The medical information management system (SIGIM) - elaboration of an electronic patient record

The Medical Information Management System (SIGIM) aims at integrating many of the already existing technologies applied to health care, allowing a big improvement in the quality of services and service provision within the health caring area. As the project involves several areas in terms of knowledge and expertise, it was divided among four groups. The authors of this article were responsible for creating an Electronic Patient Record (EPR). To achieve a result, the adopted technologies were: a three-tier architecture, this separates the presentation for the user, the rationale and the database; XML (eXtensible Markup Language), which standardises the transmission of the medical data of the patient among the systems. At this first stage, for the construction of an ERP we have focused our studies on the particularities of the oncology area.
Software Aids for radiologists: Part 1, Useful Photoshop skills.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this review is to describe the use of several essential techniques and tools in Adobe Photoshop image-editing software. The techniques shown expand on those previously described in the radiologic literature. CONCLUSION. Radiologists, especially those with minimal experience with image-editing software, can quickly apply a few essential Photoshop tools to minimize the frustration that can result from attempting to navigate a complex user interface.
Is there evidence that strength training could help improve muscle function and other outcomes without reinforcing abnormal movement patterns or increasing reflex activity in a man who has had a stroke

The purpose of “Evidence in Practice” is to illustrate the literature search process to obtain evidence that can guide clinical decision making. This article is not a case report. The examination, evaluation, and intervention sections are purposely abbreviated. A 72-year-old man was admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation facility where I was completing the clinical education requirement for my Master's of Physical Therapy degree. The patient had had a left cerebral vascular accident 10 days prior to his admission. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed an infarct consistent with a thrombosis in the area of the middle cerebral artery. The patient, a retired attorney, lived with his wife in a 2-story house that requires climbing 2 stairs to enter. His goals were to walk independently and to return to his hobbies of gardening and golfing. The patient's medical history included a 15-year history of hypertension, for which he has been treated with a cardioselective beta-blocker (metoprolol [Lopressor]).* Because his cardiac status was stable on admission to the rehabilitation facility, his physician cleared him to begin an exercise program. During my initial examination, I determined that the patient's right extremities were hemiparetic. He was able to hold his right shoulder in flexion, abduction, adduction, and extension and hold his right elbow in flexion and extension against gravity without using compensatory movements; however, he could not accept resistance without using compensatory movement at the scapulae and distal joints (3/5 muscle grade using manual muscle testing as described by Kendall et al1). He held his right wrist in flexion and extension against moderate resistance without recruiting compensatory movement patterns (4/5 muscle grade). He was able to hold his right hip in flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction and hold his right knee in flexion and extension against gravity without using compensatory movements; however, he could …
A Model for Path Data

As network analysis grows more common, social scientists are increasingly faced with path data. Paths arise when actors strategically navigate toward a goal in a social, physical, or policy space. Highway networks, or collections of paths that connect major cities and intervening counties, are a prominent example. Existing statistical tools essentially assume that counties construct highway segments independently. I propose a new model that explicitly captures pathwise-dependence between observations, develop an estimation procedure, and demonstrate its properties. The random-path model (RPM) allows researchers to explore factors that shape the trajectories of paths. I evaluate the method by simulation and an empirical application.
Efficacy of Reconstituted Oral Chloral Hydrate from Crystals for Echocardiography Sedation.

Background Chloral hydrate has been the drug of choice for uncooperative infants and children requiring sedation for echocardiography. Recently, the commercially available liquid formulation was discontinued by the manufacturer, and the only oral form of chloral hydrate available was made using reconstituted crystals. The aim of this study was to compare sedation efficacy before and after this change in chloral hydrate formulas. Methods Consecutive patients presenting for echocardiography sedation during the transition from the manufacturer-derived old formulation to the locally reconstituted new formulation were retrospectively reviewed for time to onset of level 3 sedation, duration of level ≤3 sedation, requirement for additional sedative medications, sedation failure, ability to complete the echocardiographic examination, and adverse events related to the sedatives. Results The cohort included 124 patients (63 old, 61 new). Although the mean age at sedation was younger for the new group, the weight and average dose of chloral hydrate used were not significantly different. There were no adverse events in either group. Time to onset of sedation was the same between the two formulations, but the duration of sedation was significantly shorter for the new group (42.4 ± 24.5 vs 55.3 ± 26.2 min, P = .01). In addition, the need for secondary sedating agents because of inadequate sedation and sedation failure were significantly greater using the new compared with the old formulation. Conclusions Chloral hydrate reformulation using reconstituted crystals results in a shorter duration of sedation, more frequent requirement for a secondary sedative agent, more frequent sedation failure, and occasional inability to complete the echocardiographic examination compared with the manufacturer's formulation.
Does the Party of the President Make a Difference in the Performance of the Economy? An Excerpt from the Book: The Obama vs. Romney Debate on Economic Growth: A Citizen’s Guide to the Issues

The following excerpt is from Chapter 1, Introduction, of the Obama vs. Romney Debate on Economic Growth. The excerpt addresses the following question: Does the party of the president make a difference in the performance of the economy? One might expect that because Republicans are generally thought to be more “business friendly,” the economy would generally perform better under Republican presidents than Democratic presidents. This research, which has been confirmed by other research, shows that since 1948, on average, the economy has grown faster and there has been lower unemployment during Democratic presidencies than Republican presidencies.
Human-Computer Collaboration in Adaptive Supervisory Control and Function Allocation of Autonomous System Teams

The foundation for a collaborative, man-machine system for adaptive performance of tasks in a multiple, heterogeneous unmanned system teaming environment is discussed. An autonomics system is proposed to monitor missions and overall system attributes, including those of the operator, autonomy, states of the world, and the mission. These variables are compared within a model of the global system, and strategies that re-allocate tasks can be executed based on a mission-health perspective (such as relieving an overloaded user by taking over incoming tasks). Operators still have control over the allocation via a task manager, which also provides a function allocation interface, and accomplishes an initial attempt at transparency. We plan to learn about configurations of function allocation from human-in-the-loop experiments, using machine learning and operator feedback. Integrating autonomics, machine learning, and operator feedback is expected to improve collaboration, transparency, and human-machine performance.
Sexual Responsibility and the Politics of Abortion and Contraception

Rape myths, which shift responsibility for sexual assault from the assailant to the victim, have gained prominence in American politics. Like many negative stereotypes, rape myths have a strong association with public opinion on the social groups affected by the stereotype. In this study, I investigate rape myth acceptance in the US population, differences in the causes of rape myth acceptance among men and women, and the effect of rape myths on political beliefs. I show that rape myth acceptance is significantly related to a decrease in support for access to contraception and increases opposition to abortion among male respondents. This finding is particularly significant given the current debates over women’s healthcare and the future of reproductive health policy in particular.