cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Traumatic brain injury alters neuropsychiatric symptomatology in all-cause dementia

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may alter the course of neuropsychiatric symptom (NPS) onset during dementia development. The connection among TBI, NPS, and dementia progression is of increasing interest to researchers and clinicians. Methods Incidence of NPS was examined in participants with normal cognition who progressed to all-cause dementia based on whether TBI history was present (n = 130) or absent (n = 849). Survival analyses were used to examine NPS incidence across 7.6 ± 3.0 years of follow-up. Results Participants with TBI history had increased prevalence and incidence of apathy (44.7% vs 29.9%, P = .0062; HRadj. = 1.708, P = .0018) and motor disturbances (17.2% vs 9.5%, P = .0458; HRadj. = 2.023, P = .0168), controlling for demographics and type of dementia diagnosis. Earlier anxiety onset was associated with TBI (692 days prior to dementia diagnosis vs 161 days, P = .0265). Discussion History of TBI is associated with increased risk for and earlier onset of NPS in the trajectory of dementia development.
Trends in actionable mutations for recurrent ovarian and endometrial cancer at a single institution

Objectives: To identify actionable gene mutations in recurrent ovarian and endometrial cancer and to evaluate the effect of these cancer specific mutations on survival outcomes at a single institution. Methods: This was an institutional review board (IRB) approved retrospective chart review of all patients at our institution with recurrent endometrial or ovarian cancer whose tumor underwent Next-Generation Sequencing using Foundation Medicine genomic profiling. Demographic and cancer related variables were extracted including age, cancer type, cancer stage at diagnosis, progression free survival and overall survival. Fisher's exact test was performed to identify specific cancer type associated with a particular mutation and a regression model was used to evaluate the cancer specific mutations’ correlation with age, cancer stage and survival. Results: A total of 117 patients who met criteria were identified. Twenty-six significant mutations were found among three cancer subtypes; endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma (n=30), serous endometrial carcinoma (n=21), serous ovarian carcinoma (n=32) (Table 1). The following mutations were significant associated with the following cancer type (p≤0.05): endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma- arid1a, blm, chd4, crebbp, ctcf, fgfr2, mll2, mll3, msh2, msh6, nfe2l2, pik3r, pten, rnf43, taf1, tp53; serous endometrial cancer- brip1, crkl, fbxw7, ppp2r1a, tp53; serous ovarian cancer-arid1a, nf1, pik3ca, terc, tp53. Overall survival and progression free survival did not correlate significantly with any of the mutations identified, aside from PTEN mutation (p Download : Download high-res image (46KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Twenty-six significant mutations were identified in three common gynecologic cancer subtypes. Of these 26 mutations, four mutations have never been clinically reported for the respective cancer subtype, to our knowledge (Table 1). Larger numbers are needed to correlate these mutations with survival outcomes and to determine their impact on clinical management.
Effects of Music Self-Perception on Music Education and Nonmusic Majors’ Ensemble Participation:

In this study, I examined the relationship between undergraduate music education and nonmusic education majors and their music self-perception, or how they perceived themselves as musicians. A seco...
THE EFFECTS OF LEFT HAND FATIGUE ON RIGHT HAND PERFORMANCE

Tracking tasks were performed by 25 subjects with the right arm before and after cranking a bicycle ergometer with the left arm for periods of 60, 90, and 120 sec. The results indicate a significant decrement in tracking performance the first ten seconds after each of the cranking periods. By 30 seconds after cranking, tracking performance returned to precranking level for each of the conditions. The decrement was not attributable to heart rate or breathing rate increases which remained for periods of up to five minutes. The crossover fatigue effect warrants further study.
Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and interrupted aortic arch (IAA) may be seen as the two ends of the spectrum of extracardiac obstruction to the left ventricular (LV) output. The term “aortic coarctation” describes a discrete narrowing of the descending aortic lumen at the level of ductus arteriosus by a single posterior shelf of tissue; “aortic hypoplasia” refers to a narrowed aortic segment of some length in the absence of such discrete shelf; “atretic arch” defines an interruption to the patency of the aortic arch lumen with the two blind ends of the arch connected only by a fibrous strand; finally, IAA describes the complete discontinuity between the proximal and the distal ends of the aortic arch. As with other causes of obstruction to LV output, these lesions may coexist with each other and be further compounded by intra- and extracardiac defects [1]. Congenital CoA is a frequent pediatric cardiovascular lesion, especially among Caucasian boys. It is less common among African American boys and even less among African American girls. CoA is not commonly associated with genetic anomalies, except for girls with Turner syndrome, in whom it is frequent. Notably, CoA can be acquired, e.g., after Takayasu arteritis or as a result of cardiac surgery. IAA, unlike CoA, is a rare lesion. However, it is often associated with DiGeorge Syndrome (Δ22q11).
Feminism and Religion: Intersections between Western Activism, Theology and Theory

What is the relationship of religion in general, or of specific religions, to misogyny and the oppression of women? This article discusses Western feminism and religion, with a focus on North America, examining: 1) the relationship of religion to feminism as a political movement; 2) the role of feminism in religion, especially Western traditions; and 3) contributions of feminist criticism to the academic study of religion. The relationship between feminism and religion is multifaceted. Religion is important in feminist political activism, throughout first, second and third waves. Feminist activism is mutually influential to feminist theory, which approaches questions about gender not as optional, but as imperative to any rigorous analytic perspective. Feminist criticism of religion includes both feminist theology, which focuses on reforming religious traditions to be more egalitarian, and feminist scholarship in the academic study of religion, which challenges scholars to re-evaluate dominant models, such as the category of religion itself.
Newborn screening strategies for congenital hypothyroidism: an update

It is the purpose of this article to briefly review the initial development and subsequent evolution of newborn screening programs to detect infants with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and then to provide an update of the advantages and disadvantages of the main test strategies. Pilot programs began screening newborn populations in North America in the mid-1970s using either primary thyroxine (T4)-follow-up thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) or primary TSH testing. Many programs in the United States and around the world continue to prefer a primary T4-follow-up TSH test strategy. This approach has the advantage of detecting infants with primary CH, as well as cases of hypopituitary hypothyroidism, by follow-up of infants with a T4 below an absolute cutoff or with a persistently low T4 level, necessitating a higher recall rate. With increasing assay sensitivity and specificity, several programs in the United States and worldwide have elected to switch to a primary TSH test strategy. This test strategy has the advantage of detecting primary CH and subclinical hypothyroidism and at a lower recall rate. Programs considering switching to a primary TSH test strategy need to develop age-related TSH cutoffs to maintain an acceptable recall rate. Both test strategies have the potential to detect infants with CH characterized by “delayed TSH rise,” but only if they collect a routine or discretionary second specimen, now recommended in low-birth-weight and acutely ill infants. Lastly, a lower TSH cutoff appears to be one of the explanations for the recently described increased incidence of CH.
Studying flare accelerated electrons with BATSE

Abstract The Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory has opened a hard X-ray window of unprecedented sensitivity from 10 to several hundreds of keV which allows a fresh examination of the details of the accelerated electron spectrum during solar flares. Using the BATSE Spectroscopy detectors we have examined the low energy hard X-ray spectrum for thermal components and evidence of cutoffs in the accelerated electron spectrum.
Controlling gene expression with the Q repressible binary expression system in Caenorhabditis elegans

We established a transcription-based binary gene expression system in Caenorhabditis elegans using the recently developed Q system. This system, derived from genes in Neurospora crassa, uses the transcriptional activator QF to induce the expression of target genes. Activation can be efficiently suppressed by the transcriptional repressor QS, and suppression can be relieved by the nontoxic small molecule quinic acid. We used QF, QS and quinic acid to achieve temporal and spatial control of transgene expression in various tissues in C. elegans. We also developed a split Q system, in which we separated QF into two parts encoding its DNA-binding and transcription-activation domains. Each domain showed negligible transcriptional activity when expressed alone, but expression of both reconstituted QF activity, providing additional combinatorial power to control gene expression.
Dual Trading: Winners, Losers, and Market Impact

Abstract I show that dual trading reduces the net order flow and market depth. Trading volume and gross (of commission fees) profits of informed traders are lower with dual trading, while trading volume and gross losses of uninformed traders are unaffected. When the broker′s commission income is independent of the customer′s trading volume, the competitive commission fee is lower with dual trading. The utility of uninformed traders (net of commission fees) increases with dual trading, while the net profits of informed traders decrease. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: G12, G13, D82.
Visual discrimination following infant and adult ablation of cortical areas 17, 18, and 19 in the cat.

Abstract Cats with ablations of visual cortical areas 17, 18, and 19 made in adulthood or infancy, and normal cats were trained on a light/dark and a horizontal/vertical discrimination. No differences between groups were observed in the light/dark discrimination. In the horizontal/vertical discrimination, adult operated cats showed severe deficits, but the performance of infant operated cats was similar to that of normal cats. Patterns of retrograde degeneration of the lateral geniculate nucleus differed for infant and adult operated cats: the lateral geniculate nucleus of infant operates, but not of adult operates, showed scattered intact surviving neurons which were not related to sparing of visual cortex. These nerons may be involved in pattern discrimination abilities in infant operated cats.
Bleeding complications of native kidney biopsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Kidney biopsy provides important information for nephrologists, but the risk of complications has not been systematically described. Study Design Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective or retrospective observational studies. Setting & Population Adults undergoing native kidney biopsy in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Selection Criteria for Studies MEDLINE indexed studies from January 1980 through June 2011; sample size of 50 or more. Intervention Native kidney biopsy with automated biopsy device and real-time ultrasonographic guidance. Outcomes Macroscopic hematuria and erythrocyte transfusion rates and factors associated with these outcomes. Results 34 studies of 9,474 biopsies met inclusion criteria. The rate of macroscopic hematuria was 3.5% (95% CI, 2.2%-5.1%), and erythrocyte transfusion was 0.9% (95% CI, 0.4%-1.5%). Significantly higher rates of transfusion were seen with the following: 14-gauge compared with smaller needles (2.1% vs 0.5%; P = 0.009), studies with mean serum creatinine level ≥2.0 mg/dL (2.1% vs 0.4%; P = 0.02), ≥50% women (1.9% vs 0.6%; P = 0.03), and ≥10% of biopsies for acute kidney injury (1.1% vs 0.04%; P P = 0.2) and mean systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg (1.4% vs 0.1%; P = 0.09). Similar relationships were noted for the macroscopic hematuria rate with the same predictors, but none was statistically significant. Limitations Publication bias, few randomized controlled trials, and missing data. Conclusions Native kidney biopsy using automated biopsy devices and real-time ultrasonography is associated with a relatively small risk of macroscopic hematuria and erythrocyte transfusion requirement. Using smaller gauge needles may lower complication rates. Patient selection may affect outcome because studies with higher serum creatinine levels, more women, and higher rates of acute kidney injury had higher complication rates. Future studies should further evaluate risk factors for complications.
Ir matrix isolation spectra of some perfluoro organic free radicals. Part III. n-C3F7 and iso-C3F7

Abstract The perfluoro radicals n-C 3 F 7 and iso-C 3 F 7 have been prepared by pyrolyzing the corresponding iodides in a platinum effusion tube at temperatures between 450–550°C and isolated in argon matrices. By eliminating absorption bands attributed to known fluorine compounds and applying relative absorption band intensity correlations, several absorption bands have been assigned, some 30 to n-C 3 F 7 and 29 to iso-C 3 Fe 7 , in the spectral range 2000–200 cm -1 . A tentative vibrational assignment is presented for both species on the assumption of C s symmetry. Some thermodynamic implications of the findings are also discussed.
Two species of Ergasilidae (Copepoda: Poecilostomatoida) parasitic on the gills of Mugil cephalus Linnaeus (Pisces: Teleostei), with proposition of a new genus Dermoergasilus

A new genus of Ergasilidae (Dermoergasilus) is proposed to accommodate Ergasilus amplectens Dogiel et Akhmerov, 1952; E. coleus Cressey, 1970; and E. semicoleus Cressey, 1970. Dermoergasilus amplectens (Dogiel et Akhmerov, 1952) and Nipergasilus bora (Yamaguti, 1939) are redescribed based on the specimens recovered from the gills of Mugil cephalus L. collected in Kojima Bay, Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
Gis and Spatial Knowledge Production for Neighborhood Revitalization: Negotiating State Priorities and Neighborhood Visions

In this article, we examine the role of geographic information systems used by neighborhood organizations in their planning and revitalization efforts in US inner cities. The use of GIS is related ...
An Excess of Riches

When I entered graduate school in the mid 1960s, those of us interested in doing quali tative research had few resources upon which to draw. Certainly there were many field research-based books and articles to use as exemplars, but the list of "how to" manuals or even "what I did in the field" ac counts was quite limited. At the time, soci ology was overwhelmingly dominated by the "quants" and this paucity was undoubt edly a reflection of the status of qualitative work. In subsequent years, especially in the past 20 to 30 years with the waning of the methodological wars and divide, the status position of us "quals" has improved and with that improvement, drought has been replaced by flood in the book arena. Go to the book section of amazon.com and type in "field work" or "field research" and you will be inundated with titles. Using "field re search," for example, the total number in Amazon's list is in excess of 63,000! Now obviously most of those books have nothing to do with social science, but looking at on ly the first 100, an amazing 48 are methods texts, readers, and "what I did in the field" reports which are aimed at sociologists, an thropologists, and, to a lesser extent, other social scientists. And a very large number of volumes on these topics which fill my book shelves are not even included in this partic ular list. Given this abundance, the question might reasonably be asked: do we need the two new additions here under review? Do we, at present, need any more additions to this genre? The short form of my answer which I will elaborate below-is a qualified "yes." However, before elaborating on that an swer, let us take a close look at each book. In many respects, these two volumes are as different from one another as pineapples are different from bananas, but in one particular respect, they are identical: both deal primar The Sage Handbook of Fieldwork, edited by Dick Hobbs and Richard Wright. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2006. 399pp. $130.00 cloth. ISBN: 9780761974451.
Chromodomain-mediated oligomerization of HP1 suggests a nucleosome-bridging mechanism for heterochromatin assembly

HP1 proteins are central to the assembly and spread of heterochromatin containing histone H3K9 methylation. The chromodomain (CD) of HP1 proteins specifically recognizes the methyl mark on H3 peptides, but the same extent of specificity is not observed within chromatin. The chromoshadow domain of HP1 proteins promotes homodimerization, but this alone cannot explain heterochromatin spread. Using the S. pombe HP1 protein, Swi6, we show that recognition of H3K9-methylated chromatin in vitro relies on an interface between two CDs. This interaction causes Swi6 to tetramerize on a nucleosome, generating two vacant CD sticky ends. On nucleosomal arrays, methyl mark recognition is highly sensitive to internucleosomal distance, suggesting that the CD sticky ends bridge nearby methylated nucleosomes. Strengthening the CD-CD interaction enhances silencing and heterochromatin spread in vivo. Our findings suggest that recognition of methylated nucleosomes and HP1 spread on chromatin are structurally coupled and imply that methylation and nucleosome arrangement synergistically regulate HP1 function.
Right atrioventricular extracardiac conduit as a Fontan modification: late results

Abstract Background . The right ventricle, when incorporated in the Fontan circulation, might enlarge and function as a pump to the pulmonary circulation. Experience has shown that over the long-term, this operation can be associated with major difficulties. Methods . The late results, (13 ± 6 years) after right atrioventricular connection as a Fontan modification, were reviewed in 14 patients with tricuspid atresia (11), ventricular septal-defect with small right ventricle (2), and double inlet left ventricle (1) to assess the long-term survival, the right ventricular size, and the need and timing of reoperations. Operations used a valved conduit (7), a valveless Dacron (E.L. Bard, Haverhill, PA) tube (5) and a direct right atrium-right ventricle anastomosis (2). Results . Death occurred in 5 by 8 ± 5 years. Conduit obstruction occurred in 10 by 9 ± 3 years equally in patients with valved (6 of 7) compared to patients with valveless conduits (4 of 5) and irrespective of right ventricular size (3 of 4 with enlarged right ventricle versus 4 of 6 with small ventricle). Patients with direct atrioventricular anastomosis had no obstruction. Reoperation was performed in 9 but failed to relieve the obstruction in 4 because of external compression (4) with or without thrombosis (1). Conclusions . Right atrioventricular connection as a Fontan modification can provide good early palliation, but is a poor long-term solution, as it is associated with a high incidence and difficulties in relieving the obstruction.
Optimal environmental taxes under relative consumption effects

Abstract This paper explores the interactions between carbon dioxide emissions taxes and a pre-existing income tax in a numerically calibrated model of climate change and the world economy. Based on evidence from the recent empirical literature, the model allows for the presence of relative consumption effects in the specification of preferences. In the absence of relative consumption effects, optimal emissions taxes would rise from US$44 to US$229 per tonne of carbon (in year 2000 dollars) over the course of the next century. These tax rates, which arise when emissions tax revenues are used to reduce taxes on personal income, are slightly above the present value marginal benefits of emissions control. Given realistic assumptions concerning the empirical magnitude of relative consumption effects, the optimal emissions tax rises from US$63 per tonne in 2005 and US$384 per tonne in 2105. Accounting for relative consumption effects reduces the perceived social benefits of consumption, thus increasing social willingness to pay for environmental quality while reducing both the costs of tax interaction effects and the benefits of efficient revenue recycling. Taken together, these factors support the implementation of comparatively high environmental taxes in the face of relative consumption effects.
Citric acid consumption and the human dentition

The action of citric acid and its effect on dental tissues is discussed, and two cases are presented in which the appearance of affected tooth surfaces was improved with the use of a composite resin. Besides caries, various destructive processes of the dental hard tissues are rather common in the form of erosions and abrasions. Two cases and treatment of a specific type of pernicious process ascribed to the abusive use of citric acid are described. A discussion of the action of citric acid and its effect on dental tissues is presented. The question is raised as to the possible contribution of citric acid to the origin of other erosive processes.
High efficiency powering system for wireless sensor for AC monitoring in smart grid applications

A low maintenance and efficient powering system is being developed for applications in residential wireless AC line metering. A split core current transformer is used as the energy harvester. The collected energy is used to provide constant voltage output. The excess of the energy is stored in a backup battery or super capacitor hybrid. The smart charging approach is utilized to optimize charging/discharging rate in order to optimally utilize available power and maintain constant output voltage. The powering system is intended to operate with the power line average current 10‥100 A RMS and provide constant output voltage 3.3V and current up to 100 mA. The system is intended for use with wireless sensors in AC power monitoring applications. Current transformer coupling with the power line facilitates simple ‘snap-on’ installation of the sensors without interruption of power to customers.
IUE short-wavelength high-dispersion line list for the symbiotic nova RR Telescopii

An 820 minute and other long-exposure archival SWP IUE high-dispersion spectra of symbiotic star RR Tel have been combined to form a composite spectrum. In most of these spectra many lines are saturated, but weaker features appear above the continuum. Their wavelengths were measured from the composite spectrum and compared with the line list from a thorough study of RR Tel by Penston et al. (1983). Among the revised line list are 22 new line identifications from ions C III, O I, N I, Mg VI, Si I, S I, S IV, Fe II, and Ni II. N I exists inside RR Tel's H II region and is pumped by the hot component's continuum. The fluxes for all the lines in each of the spectra are presented. All of the observed ions show a secular flux decrease between 1978 and 1988. A list of SWP high-dispersion camera artifacts is also presented. The list was generated by comparing RR Tel spectra to a long-exposure sky flat.
Quorum-Sensing Crosstalk-Driven Synthetic Circuits: From Unimodality to Trimodality

Widespread quorum-sensing (QS) enables bacteria to communicate and plays a critical role in controlling bacterial virulence. However, effects of promiscuous QS crosstalk and its implications for gene regulation and cell decision-making remain largely unknown. Here we systematically studied the crosstalk between LuxR/I and LasR/I systems and found that QS crosstalk can be dissected into signal crosstalk and promoter crosstalk. Further investigations using synthetic positive feedback circuits revealed that signal crosstalk significantly decreases a circuit's bistable potential while maintaining unimodality. Promoter crosstalk, however, reproducibly generates complex trimodal responses resulting from noise-induced state transitions and host-circuit interactions. A mathematical model that integrates the circuit's nonlinearity, stochasticity, and host-circuit interactions was developed, and its predictions of conditions for trimodality were verified experimentally. Combining synthetic biology and mathematical modeling, this work sheds light on the complex behaviors emerging from QS crosstalk, which could be exploited for therapeutics and biotechnology.
Pore structure evolution in silica gel during aging/drying. IV. Varying pore fluid pH☆

In an effort to understand the various phenomena which occur during aging of silica gels at different pH, silica particles prepared by three routes distinguished prinipally by their silicon coordination (Qn distributions) Stober silica spheres, Ludox and Cab-O-Sil) were employed. In situ techniques were used including proton spin-lattice relaxation, SAXS and zeta potential for the wet state and 29Si MAS-NMR, SEM, TEM and N2 sorption for dry samples. In solution, the surface area increased in the following order after aging at pH 10 as compared with that at pH 7 and the initial dry surface area: Cab-O-Sil < Ludox ⪡ Stober which is inversely proportional to the degree of silicon coordination. This same trend was observed for the surface charge measurements. Surface areas calculated from 29Si MAS-NMR for four different Stober sphere sizes were of order 1000 m2/g as compared with nitrogen/BET surface areas which varied from 9 to 370 m2/g, indicating significant internal surface which is inaccessible to nitrogen. The 29Si NMR results for the Stober spheres were consistent with a close packed aggregate of ∼3 nm primary particles. In addition to particulate silica, aging at varying pH of a two-step acid/base-catalyzed silica gel was studied. At all pH values, the surface area was higher in the wet gel as compared with the xerogel. Aging at higher pH was found to yield lower surface area, larger pore volume and a narrower pore size distribution depending upon the pH, aging time and surface tension of the final pore fluid.
THE EFFECT OF OVARIAN HORMONES AND OVARIAN GRAFTS UPON THE MAMMARY GLANDS OF MALE MICE1

The function of the ovary in the stimulation of mammary gland growth was first critically demonstrated in males or ovariectomized immature females bearing ovarian grafts. The guinea pig was extensively used in these experiments as the growth of the nipples served as an easily determinable index of ovarian function. For a review of this work reference to made to Smelser (1933). Two ovarian hormones have recently been found to be necessary for complete mammary development in most species of animals (Turner, 1932). The ovarian follicular hormone, theelin, characteristically induced a growth of the mammary duct system while the additional stimulation of the hormone of the corpus luteum was required for the complete development of the mammary alveoli. The development of the mammary duct system of the normal female mouse occurs during the late pre-pubertal and the post-pubertal periods in virgin animals (Turner and Gomez, 1933; Cole, 1933; Gardner and Strong, 1935). The mammary alveoli were found to develop onl...
Frequency and importance of unprovoked coronary spasm in patients with angina pectoris undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Abstract Coronary spasm superimposed on fixed coronary artery stenosis was discovered in 14 of 74 candidates for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). In 3 of the 14, spasm developed during PTCA and was presumably catheter-induced. Eleven of the 14, with unprovoked spasm, are the subject of this study. Three of the 11, in whom the fixed component of the mixed stenosis was subcritical were treated medically, with good results in 2 but with persistent angina pectoris and eventual myocardial infarct in 1. Nitroglycerin administered by the intracoronary route relieved spasm resistant to sublingual nitroglycerin in 1 of the 3. In 8 of the 11 with critical fixed stenosis, spasm was discovered either before PTCA (7 patients) or on follow-up (1 patient). Six of the 8 had successful PTCA, with no or mild symptoms on follow-up. Of the 2 failures, 1, uncomplicated, was followed by successful elective coronary artery bypass surgery while the other, complicated, led to successful emergency coronary artery bypass surgery, with disappearance of symptoms in both. The rate of success was similar in patients with documented unprovoked spasm (6 of 8) and patients without (39 of 63, 62%). It is concluded that (1) coronary spasm, if properly sought for, is probably not uncommon in single-vessel candidates for PTCA; (2) patients considered candidates for PTCA should have intracoronary nitroglycerin administered before PTCA; (3) in patients with critical, fixed coronary artery disease, associated spasm does not reduce the chances of successful PTCA; (4) coronary spasm may outlast the relief by PTCA of the fixed component of the mixed stenosis and requires long-term vasodilator therapy; and (5) the lack of adverse effects when PTCA is performed in patients with spasm superimposed on critical fixed single-vessel stenosis appears to justify its use for the time being.
Achieved availability importance measure for enhancing reliability-centered maintenance decisions

An effective defense strategy requires aircraft, among other weapons systems, to be available and ready for use when circumstances deem necessary. This article offers a set of importance measures to identify the critical components in a system from their influence on system-achieved availability, a common Department of Defense availability calculation that is a ratio of mean time between maintenance and total system time, including mean maintenance time. With these measures, more effective maintenance plans, including inspection and supply inventory, can focus on those components that more significantly impact achieved availability. A decision-making formulation results from these component importance measures, and an example based on a US Air Force system illustrates the modeling contributions.
Electron Transition Current Density in Molecules. 1. Non-Born−Oppenheimer Theory of Vibronic and Vibrational Transitions

The one-particle electron transition current density (TCD) for vibronic transitions between pairs of stationary states in molecules is defined. Expressions for TCD are developed using the complete adiabatic (CA) formalism in which the electronic wave function carries an explicit dependence on the nuclear momenta, as well as the usual dependence on nuclear positions. In the case of vibronic transitions, the principal non-Born−Oppenheimer (non-BO), nuclear-momentum-dependent contribution to TCD is accompanied by a less important BO, nuclear-position-dependent contribution. For vibrational transitions within a single electronic state, the BO contribution vanishes, leaving only non-BO, nuclear-momentum-driven TCD. In the limit of pure electronic transitions, or vibrational transitions within a single electronic state, it is shown that electron TCD satisfies the continuity equation for the conservation of electron transition probability density (TPD) for any pair of stationary states. TCD is a vector field hav...
High altitude balloon-based wind LIDAR demonstration: from near space to space

A near space, high-altitude balloon mission (BalloonWinds) is planned to demonstrate the performance of a direct detection wind LIDAR instrument. The program is a NOAA-funded initiative to demonstrate direct detection, fringe imaging Doppler Wind LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. BalloonWinds will involve a series of high altitude missions (~30km), each lasting 8-10 hours, scheduled for launch in 2006 to validate wind LIDAR technology from a near space platform. With the promise of responsive, affordable launch vehicles and near space platforms, there is an opportunity to demonstrate launch-on-demand capability of low-cost instruments that can provide regional or global wind data. It has been well established that direct measurement of winds will improve weather forecasting accuracy and hurricane landfall prediction and would provide benefits to government agencies and the public at large. An overview of the BalloonWinds instrument design and near space flight plan is presented in this paper as well as a concept design for a low-cost, 6-12 month space mission. Instrument performance simulations are used to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the low-cost approach for global wind sounding compared to traditional mission concepts.
Demonstration of megavoltage and diagnostic x-ray imaging with hydrogenated amorphous silicon arrays

Flat‐panel imagers consisting of the first large area, self‐scanning, pixelated, solid‐state arrays made with hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) are under development by the authors for applications in diagnostic x‐ray and megavoltage radiotherapyimaging. The arrays, designated by the acronym MASDA for multi‐element amorphous silicondetector array, consist of a two‐dimensional array of a‐Si:H photodiodes and thin‐film transistors and are used in conjunction with scintillating materials. Imagers utilizing MASDA arrays offer a variety of advantages over existing technologies. This article presents initial megavoltage and diagnostic‐quality x‐ray images taken with several such arrays including the first examples of anatomical‐phantom images. The external readout electronics and imaging techniques required to obtain such images are outlined, the construction, operation, and advantages of the arrays briefly reviewed, and the future potential of this new technology discussed.
Case study of the pipelined arithmetic unit for the TI Advanced Scientific Computer

Introduction Many scientific applications today require computers which are very fast and capable of processing large amounts of data. Some advances in scientific processing have been slowed due to the lack of supercomputer capabilities which are required primarily in the area of Central Processor speed and the availability of large amounts of high speed memory. Particularly in the fields of modeling and simulation, additional speed and memory capacity are desired to allow increased resolution of the experiment. Technological developments in such things as integrated circuits, multilayer printed circuit boards, memory speeds, and others have contributed to the ability of computer manufacturers to serve this market. In addition to these developments, however, large advances had to be realized from the standpoint of the basic computer architecture. The concept of pipelining has provided an answer to the large data execution rate required. Pipelined capabilities in the form of arithmetic units and special purpose functional units are included in machines such as the CEC7600, IBM 360/195, CDC STAR-100, etc.1,2 The Texas Instruments Advanced Scientific Computer (ASC) uses the pipeline concept throughout the Central Processor and carries the concept throughout the Central Processor and carries the concept further to include vector instructions in response to the high execution rates required.3
Development Of The RAIDS Extreme Ultraviolet Wedge And Strip Detector

In the next few years the Remote Atmospheric and Ionospheric Detector System (RAIDS) package will be flown on a Tiros spacecraft. The EUV spectrometer experiment contains a position-sensitive detector based on wedge and strip anode technology. A detector design has been implemented in brazed alumina and kovar to provide a rugged bakeable housing and anode. A stack of three 80:1 microchannel plates is operated at 3500-4100 V. to achieve a gain of about 10 to the 7th. The top MCP is to be coated with MgF for increased quantum efficiency in the range of 50-115 nm. A summary of fabrication techniques and detector performance characteristics is presented.
Geospatial Patterns in Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Uptake: Evidence from Uninsured and Publicly Insured Children in North Carolina

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage is far below the national objective set by Healthy People 2020. This paper explores spatial patterns in HPV vaccination uptake. Methods: Secondary data for publicly-funded HPV vaccinations among age-eligible children from 2008 through 2013 from the North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR) were used in 2014 in an ecological analysis at the ZIP code tabulation area (ZCTA) level. We tested for spatial autocorrelation in unadjusted HPV vaccination rates using choropleth maps and Moran's I. We estimated non-spatial and spatial negative binomial models with spatially correlated random effects adjusted for demographic, economic, and healthcare variables drawn from the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey, 2010 ZIP Business Patterns, and the 2012-2013 Area Resource File. Results: The NCIR revealed areas of especially low rates in publicly-funded HPV vaccinations among uninsured and means-tested, publicly insured children. For boys, but not girls, ZCTAs tended to have HPV vaccination rates that were similar to their neighbors. This result was partially explained by included ZCTA characteristics, but not wholly. Conclusions: To the extent that the geo-spatial clustering of vaccination rates is due to causal influences from one ZCTA to another (e.g., through information networks), targeting interventions to increase HPV vaccination in one area could also lead to increases in neighboring areas. Impact: Spatial targeting of HPV vaccination, especially in clusters of low vaccination areas, could be an effective strategy to reduce the spread of HPV and related cancers.
Boundary element method in evaporative laser cutting

A computational model for the simulation of a laser-cutting process has been developed using a boundary element method. A steady heat transfer model is considered that deals with the material-cutting process using a Gaussian continuous wave laser beam. The geometric nonlinearity due to the melting region is handled by an iterative scheme. Numerical analyses are carried out for mesh refinements and the rate of convergence in terms of groove shape and temperature. Boundary element method (BEM) results are compared with finite element method (FEM) results.
Pomegranate Ellagitannin-Derived Metabolites Inhibit Prostate Cancer Growth and Localize to the Mouse Prostate Gland

Our group has shown in a phase II clinical trial that pomegranate juice (PJ) increases prostate specific antigen (PSA) doubling time in prostate cancer (CaP) patients with a rising PSA. Ellagitannins (ETs) are the most abundant polyphenols present in PJ and contribute greatly towards its reported biological properties. On consumption, ETs hydrolyze to release ellagic acid (EA), which is then converted by gut microflora to 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one (urolithin A, UA) derivatives. Despite the accumulating knowledge of ET metabolism in animals and humans, there is no available data on the pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition of urolithins. Using a standardized ET-enriched pomegranate extract (PE), we sought to further define the metabolism and tissue distribution of ET metabolites. PE and UA (synthesized in our laboratory) were administered to C57BL/6 wild-type male mice, and metabolite levels in plasma and tissues were determined over 24 h. ET metabolites were concentrated at higher levels in mouse prostate, colon, and intestinal tissues as compared to other tissues after administration of PE or UA. We also evaluated the effects of PE on CaP growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice injected subcutaneously with human CaP cells (LAPC-4). PE significantly inhibited LAPC-4 xenograft growth in SCID mice as compared to vehicle control. Finally, EA and several synthesized urolithins were shown to inhibit the growth of human CaP cells in vitro. The chemopreventive potential of pomegranate ETs and localization of their bioactive metabolites in mouse prostate tissue suggest that pomegranate may play a role in CaP treatment and chemoprevention. This warrants future human tissue bioavailability studies and further clinical studies in men with CaP.
Fish assemblage response to a small dam removal in the Eightmile River system, Connecticut, USA.

We examined the effects of the Zemko Dam removal on the Eightmile River system in Salem, Connecticut, USA. The objective of this research was to quantify spatiotemporal variation in fish community composition in response to small dam removal. We sampled fish abundance over a 6-year period (2005–2010) to quantify changes in fish assemblages prior to dam removal, during drawdown, and for three years following dam removal. Fish population dynamics were examined above the dam, below the dam, and at two reference sites by indicator species analysis, mixed models, non-metric multidimensional scaling, and analysis of similarity. We observed significant shifts in fish relative abundance over time in response to dam removal. Changes in fish species composition were variable, and they occurred within 1 year of drawdown. A complete shift from lentic to lotic fishes failed to occur within 3 years after the dam was removed. However, we did observe increases in fluvial and transition (i.e., pool head, pool tail, or run) specialist fishes both upstream and downstream from the former dam site. Our results demonstrate the importance of dam removal for restoring river connectivity for fish movement. While the long-term effects of dam removal remain uncertain, we conclude that dam removals can have positive benefits on fish assemblages by enhancing river connectivity and fluvial habitat availability.
Therapeutic aspects of medication management

The author describes methods of handling medication in resistant patients. He shows us how such methods can aid psychiatrists and nonmedical staff in collaborating against barriers to effective treatment.
The determinants of the food intake.

An analysis of the determinants of the food intake is made on the basis of the personal experience of the author in attempting to control his own food intake. Hunger and appetite are distinguished as factors serving different functions in the food intake. Hunger is regarded as the desire to eat which impels one to seek food, try things as food or continue eating accepted foods until the desire to eat is inhibited or satisfied. Appetite is regarded as the factor that determines the acceptance (appreciation or rejection) of specific foods. Hunger was found to be of apparent central origin and based on needs but also influenced considerably by gastro-intestinal conditions. Hence it is suggested that a distinction be made between central hunger and gastro-intestinal hunger. Appetite is regarded as involving chiefly peripheral reactions, such as mouth-watering, to actual or imagined (learned) contact with foods and a distinction is made between a basal appetite determined by needs and an acquired appetite conditioned by the nature of some foods. The importance of innate factors rather than learning as determinants of the food intake is emphasized.
Adrenomedullin Blocks Closure of the Ductus Arteriosus in Newborn Lambs.† 144

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a potent vasodilator peptide. To evaluate the effects of ADM on the ductus arteriosus (DA), we studied 16 near-term fetal sheep. We examined isolated rings of DA from 6 fetuses and measured isometric force generation to obtain concentration-response curves. ADM dilated the precontracted DA in a dose-dependent manner (ED50=3.5×10-8 M). This effect was not inhibited by Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. In 10 fetuses, we examined whether exogenous ADM inhibits closure of the DA after birth in vivo. Catheters were inserted into the main pulmonary artery and the ascending aorta to measure pressures, and into the superior vena cava (SVC) to administer drugs. An ultrasonic flow transducer was placed around the DA and the left pulmonary artery to measure flow continuously. Fetuses were delivered by cesarean section, two days after surgery, and were mechanically ventilated for 4 hours. In 5 fetuses, ADM was infused continuously into the SVC (0.18μg/kg*min) starting 45 min prior to delivery; 5 non-infused fetuses acted as controls. Hemodynamic variables were statistically compared between the two groups before and every 30 min after delivery. The mean pressure gradient from the ascending aorta to the pulmonary artery (mmHg), blood flow (ml/min*kg), and resistance (mmHg*min*kg/ml) across the DA in the ADM and control groups are shown in the table (*: p<0.05). At necropsy, in opposition to the controls, each DA was widely open in ADM group. These in-vitro and in-vivo data suggest that ADM has potent vasodilatory effects on the DA in fetal sheep and that this peptide can inhibit natural closure of the DA after birth.
NSF's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR): Subsidizing academic research or state budgets?

This cross-state empirical study focuses on the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and examines its impact on the academic research and development (R&D) expenditures financed by state governments. Based on a panel of 50 states during 1979–2006, the empirical results indicate that EPSCoR, while increasing federal R&D support to EPSCoR states, crowded out financial support for academic research from the governments of EPSCoR states. About one-third of EPSCoR funds went to subsidize state budgets. The crowd-out effect calls for some reconsideration of EPSCoR program design in order to maintain or even increase the state government financial support for academic research activities deemed critical to academic competitiveness and economic prospects. © 2009 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Estimation of percent overweight within families.

Abstract When height and weight cannot be directly measured percent overweight can be estimated using self-reported height and weight, reports of others for height and weight, and matching of body shape to silhouettes. The present study assessed the relative benefits of each method for estimating percent overweight within families, as well as the potential for using matching of silhouettes for diagnosing obesity. Analysis of the relationship between percent overweight and silhouettes ratings showed increases in percent overweight across the silhouettes. Correlations between self- or other-reported and measured percent overweight showed that self-reports correlated very highly with measured reports of percent overweight (r =.97, .96 for parents and children, respectively), but parent reports of their spouses and children percent overweight were lower (r = .87, .87) and child reports of sibling or parent percent overweight were even lower (r = .75, .75). Significant increases in accuracy of diagnosing obesity were observed when the combination of adjusted self-reports and silhouettes were used in comparison to self-reports alone.
Phencyclidine and behavior: II. Active avoidance learning and radial arm maze performance.

Rats with injections of 4 or 8 mg/kg of phencyclidine (PCP) are impaired in the acquisition of active avoidance learning and radial arm maze performance. This impairment was not due to a change in detectability of aversive stimuli or the inability to perform the correct response. The primary deficit appears to be the inability of PCP injected animals to encode the appropriate attributes (e.g., environmental context, response selection, and emotion) associated with each task.