cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Rings in Numerical Models and Observations

Abstract Observed properties of rings are compared to rings produced in a two-gyre wind driven circulation model and in a model of the Agulhas retroflection. Their temporal evolution is discussed in terms of structure and translation rate. In both observations and numerical model results, propagation speeds 2 to 5 times faster than of an equivalent isolated eddy (which is of the order of the long Rossby wave speed) were observed. The decay rate of model rings with a lateral viscosity of 330 m 2 s −1 is found to be faster than in observations. Furthermore, it is observed that the model rings have a coherent structure all the way to the bottom and it seems likely that this may also be the case in real oceanic rings. In the specific case of the model Agulhas ring, the factors influencing its motion and evolution are isolated in a series of subsidiary experiments. It is found that as the ring rounds the tip of Africa, there is only a small influence of the large scale flows on the ring propagation. On the other hand, the presence of the African continent provides an additional westward movement in addition to β. As soon as the ring drifts into the South Atlantic tropical gyre, advection by the large scale flows dominates the ring motion.
Breast cancer literacy and health beliefs related to breast cancer screening among American Indian women

The purpose of this article is to examine the health beliefs and literacy about breast cancer and their relationship with breast cancer screening among American Indian (AI) women. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and hierarchical logistic regression with data from a sample of 286 AI female adults residing in the Northern Plains, we found that greater awareness of breast cancer screening was linked to breast cancer screening practices. However, perceived barriers, one of the HBM constructs, prevented such screening practices. This study suggested that culturally relevant HBM factors should be targeted when developing culturally sensitive breast cancer prevention efforts.
Shorting Demand and Predictability of Returns

The article presents a study on the association between shorting activity and future stock returns in the equities market, with the use of proprietary stock loan fees and quantities dataset. Results showed that the separation of supply and demand shifts offer a better view of the information incorporated in the securities lending market, and shorting demand increases predict negative abnormal returns the following month. The study suggests that understanding the dynamics of the securities lending market is important in making better forecasts of future stock returns.
General Theory and Its Application in the High-Speed Milling of Aluminum

For the metalworking industry to remain profitable, it must continually reduce its cost of manufacturing parts. One important segment of this economic procedure has been the costs involved in removing unwanted material from the workpiece. For example, the airplane part shown in Fig. 6.1 originally weighed 6000 lb (2725 kg) and is machined down to 435 lb (197 kg) after many hours on large, expensive machine tools.
Fatigue and Thermal Cracking Analysis of Asphalt Mixtures Using Continuum-Damage and Cohesive-Zone Models

AbstractCracking in asphalt pavements has continued to cause prominent pavement distress. This study evaluated fatigue and thermal cracking performance for nine asphalt mixtures using three approac...
Cryptococcal Traits Mediating Adherence to Biotic and Abiotic Surfaces

Several species in the genus Cryptococcus are facultative intracellular pathogens capable of causing disease associated with high mortality and morbidity in humans. These fungi interact with other organisms in the soil, and these interactions may contribute to the development of adaptation mechanisms that function in virulence by promoting fungal survival in animal hosts. Fungal adhesion molecules, also known as adhesins, have been classically considered as cell-surface or secreted proteins that play critical roles in microbial pathogenesis or in biofilm formation as structural components. Pathogenic Cryptococcus spp. differ from other pathogenic yeasts in having a polysaccharide capsule that covers the cell wall surface and precludes interactions of those structures with host cell receptors. Hence, pathogenic Cryptococcus spp. use unconventional tools for surface attachment. In this essay, we review the unique traits and mechanisms favoring adhesion of Cryptococcus spp. to biotic and abiotic surfaces. Knowledge of the traits that mediate adherence could be exploited in the development of therapeutic, biomedical, and/or industrial products.
Fungal spinal epidural abscess: a case series of nine patients.

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT Fungal spinal epidural abscess (FSEA) is a rare entity with high morbidity and mortality. Reports describing the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of FSEA are scarce in the literature. PURPOSE This study aimed to describe the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of FSEA. STUDY DESIGN This study is designed as a retrospective clinical case series. PATIENT SAMPLE A continuous series of patients with the diagnosis of FSEA who presented at our institution from 1993 to 2016. METHODS We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients with SEA who were treated within our hospital system from 1993 to 2016. We only included SEA cases that were due to fungi. We also reviewed FSEA cases in the English language literature from 1952 to 2017 to analyze the features of FSEA. RESULTS From a database of 1,053 SEA patients, we identified 9 patients with FSEA. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from 2 (22%) patients, and Candida species were isolated from 7 (78%). Focal spine pain, neurologic deficit, and fever were demonstrated in 89%, 50%, and 44% of FSEA cases, respectively. Five of nine cases involved the thoracic spine, and eight were located anterior to the thecal sac. Three cases had fungemia, six had long symptom duration (>2 weeks) prior to presentation, seven had concurrent immunosuppression, and eight had vertebral osteomyelitis. Additionally, one case had residual motor deficit at last follow-up, one had S1 sensory radicular symptoms, two suffered recurrent FSEA, two died within hospitalization, and two died within 90 days after discharge. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the classic diagnostic triad (focal spine pain, neurologic deficit, and fever) is not of great clinical utility for FSEA. Biopsy, intraoperative tissue culture, and blood culture can be used to diagnose FSEA. The most common pathogens of FSEA are Aspergillus and Candida species. Therefore, empiric treatment for FSEA should cover these species while definitive identification is pending. FSEA is found in patients with poor baseline health status, which is the essential reason for its high mortality.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE WORKING FACTOR AND CELL CONTENT ON THE PRECISION OF MICROSCOPIC COUNTS OF MILK SOMATIC CELLS1

Summary Variations in precision of the Breed method for cell counts in milk were investigated by utilizing different working factors (WF) for the same smear and by using the same WF over a major po...
Improving Performance and Scalability of Algebraic Multigrid through a Specialized MATVEC

Algebraic Multigrid (AMG) is an extremely popular linear system solver and/o $r$ preconditioner approach for matrices obtained from the discretization of elliptic operators. However, its performance and scalability for large systems obtained from unstructured discretizations seem less consistent than for geometric multigrid (GMG). To a large extent, this is due to loss of sparsity at the coarser grids and the resulting increased cost and poor scalability of the matrix-vector multiplication. While there have been attempts to address this concern by designing sparsification algorithms, these affect the overall convergence. In this work, we focus on designing a specialized matrix-vector multiplication (matvec) that achieves high performance and scalability for a large variation in the levels of sparsity. We evaluate distributed and shared memory implementations of our matvec operator and demonstrate the improvements to its scalability and performance in AMG hierarchy and finally, we compare it with PETSc.
The imaginary of precision public health.

In recent years, precision medicine has emerged as a charismatic name for a growing movement to revolutionise biomedicine by bringing genomic knowledge and sequencing to clinical care. Increasingly, the precision revolution has also included a new paradigm called precision public health—part genomics, part informatics, part public health and part biomedicine. Advocates of precision public health, such as Sue Desmond-Hellmann, argue that adopting cutting-edge big data approaches will allow public health actors to precisely target populations who experience the highest burden of disease and mortality, creating more equitable health futures. In this article we analyse precision public health as a sociotechnical imaginary, examining how calls for precision shape which public health efforts are seen as necessary and desirable. By comparing the rhetoric of precision public health to precision warfare, we find that precision prescribes technical solutions to complex problems and promises data-driven futures free of uncertainty, unnecessary suffering and inefficient use of resources. We look at how these imagined futures shape the present as they animate public health initiatives in the Global South funded by powerful philanthropic organisations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as local efforts to address cancer disparities in San Francisco. Through our analysis of the imaginary of precision public health, we identify an emerging tension between health equity goals and precision’s technical solutions. Using large datasets to target interventions with greater precision, we argue, fails to address the upstream social determinants of health that give rise to health disparities worldwide. Therefore, we urge caution around investing in precision without a complementary commitment to addressing the social and economic conditions that are the root cause of health inequality.
Retrospective Network Imputation from Life History Data: The Impact of Designs:

Retrospective life history designs are among the few practical approaches for collecting longitudinal network information from large populations, particularly in the context of relationships like s...
US Consumer Assessment of New Zealand Lamb

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to establish consumer eating quality benchmarks of New Zealand lamb by selecting various cuts from a controlled livestock range and across multiple locations and seasons.Materials and MethodsLamb carcasses (n = 325) were selected to fit within 3 GR (fat thickness) score ranges ( 9) within 3 carcass weight brackets [Light (13 to 17 kg), Medium (17.1 to 21 kg), and Heavy (≥ 21.1 kg)]. Four genders were represented: ram, wether, ewe and cryptorchid. Carcasses were selected in February and April from 2 abattoirs in New Zealand in the north and south island. Paired muscles/muscle groups [longissimus dorsi (LD), semimembranosus (SM), rump (gluteus medius and biceps femoris), and knuckle (vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris)] were collected from each carcass, denuded and fabricated into 15-mm slices, aged 1–28 d postmortem, and frozen prior to shipment to the US for sensory evaluation. Consumers (n = 1440) were fed in 5 states across the US and each tested 7 cooked samples by rating tenderness (TEN), juiciness (JUC), flavor liking (FLAV) and overall liking (OL) using 100-mm lines scales. Data was analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS examining fixed effects of abattoir, kill month, sex, weight bracket, GR bracket, muscle, postmortem aging and consumer feeding location at a significance level of ɑ = 0.05.ResultsCarcass weight influenced (P 0.05) on TEN, FLAV and OL. Heavy carcasses were juicier than middle or light weight carcasses. GR score had no effect on any palatability traits (P > 0.05). Gender impacted TEN and FLAV (P ≤ 0.03), but not JUC or OL (P > 0.05). Ewes were more tender than rams or cryptorchids, but were similar to wethers. Consumers liked the flavor of ewes more (P 0.05). Also, south island lambs were favored (P ≤ 0.01) in JUC, FLAV and OL, but there was no difference for TEN. Lambs harvested in February ranked higher (P ≤ 0.02) in all palatability characteristics than April. Rumps were more tender (P 0.05) in JUC for knuckle and rump, but both were juicier (P 0.05). There were no differences (P > 0.05) for FLAV between 7, 14, 24, and 28 d, but 24 and 14 d ranked higher (P 0.05) between 7, 14, 24, and 28 d for OL, yet 14, 24, and 28 ranked higher (P < 0.01) than 1 and 2 d postmortem age. Lastly, state influenced TEN, JUC, FLAV and OL (P < 0.01). CA had lower TEN and JUC (P < 0.01) than all other states. CO and CA had greater FLAV and OL than all other states (P < 0.05), except TX had similar OL. OH scored FLAV and OL lower than all other states (P < 0.05).ConclusionOverall, region, season, cut and postmortem aging had the most profound effects on lamb consumer eating quality.
Peer support during in vivo exposure homework to reverse attrition from prolonged exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): description of a randomized controlled trial.

Effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (e.g., prolonged exposure (PE); cognitive processing therapy (CPT)) exist and are widely adopted by the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD). Unfortunately, dropout from these treatments regularly exceeds 30%. However, in a recent survey of patients who dropped out of PE, approximately half indicated a greater likelihood of completion if a peer who had completed treatment were available to help with the in vivo exposure homework. We will use a between-groups randomized controlled design with repeated assessment at baseline, post treatment, and 3- and 6-month follow-up across measures of PTSD, depression, and functioning with 150 veterans who have indicated that they intend to drop out of treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two PE + Peer Support conditions: (1) a peer will offer support directly during in vivo exposure homework for 3–4 weeks; vs (2) a peer will call weekly for 3–4 weeks to offer general support and to check in on treatment progress. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that dropout from exposure-based PTSD treatment may be mitigated by using peers as support agents directly during PE in vivo homework experiences. Specifically, we intend to determine: whether patients who have dropped out of PE and are offered the “in vivo peer” adjunctive component to PE therapy will (1) return and complete treatment and (2) evince reduced PTSD symptomatology, compared to the same PE treatment, but with general peer support more reflective of current VA practices. This study protocol is approved and information is available at ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03485391. Registered on 2 April 2018.
Antagonistic epistasis of Hnf4α and FoxO1 networks through enhancer interactions in β-cell function

Abstract Genetic and acquired abnormalities contribute to pancreatic β-cell failure in diabetes. Transcription factors Hnf4α (MODY1) and FoxO1 are respective examples of these two components, and are known to act through β-cell-specific enhancers. However, their relationship is unclear. Here we show by genome-wide interrogation of chromatin modifications that FoxO1 ablation in mature β-cells leads to increased selection of FoxO1 enhancers by Hnf4α. To model the functional significance we generated single and compound knockouts of FoxO1 and Hnf4α in β-cells. Single knockout of either gene impaired insulin secretion in mechanistically distinct fashions. Surprisingly, the defective β-cell secretory function of either single mutant in hyperglycemic clamps and isolated islets treated with various secretagogues, was completely reversed in double mutants. Gene expression analyses revealed the reversal of β-cell dysfunction with an antagonistic network regulating glycolysis, including β-cell “disallowed” genes; and that a synergistic network regulating protocadherins emerged as likely mediators of the functional restoration of insulin secretion. The findings provide evidence of antagonistic epistasis as a model of gene/environment interactions in the pathogenesis of β-cell dysfunction.
Parental suicide attempt and subsequent risk of pre-enlistment suicide attempt among male and female new soldiers in the U.S. Army

Objective Suicide and suicide attempts among U.S. Army soldiers are a significant concern for public health. This study examined the association of parental suicide attempt prior to age 13 of the soldier with subsequent risk of pre-enlistment suicide attempt. Method We conducted secondary analyses of survey data from new soldiers who participated in the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS) (N = 38,396). A series of logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results Of all new soldiers, 1.4% reported that they attempted suicide between age 13 and entering the Army, and 2.3% reported a parental suicide attempt prior to age 13. Parental suicide attempt was associated with increased odds of subsequent suicide attempt; however, this association was moderated by gender and was significant only among male soldiers. The association between parental suicide attempt and pre-enlistment suicide attempt among male soldiers was still significant after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, soldier/parental psychopathology, and childhood adversities. Conclusions These results highlight parental suicide attempt as a unique pre-enlistment risk factor for suicide attempt, especially among male new soldiers. Further studies are needed to separate the genetic and environmental contributions to intra-familial risk for suicidal behavior.
Lanthanide dicyanoaurate coordination polymers containing 1,10-phenanthroline: Synthesis, structure, and luminescence

Abstract The synthesis of two novel lanthanide dicyanoaurates containing the bidentate ligand 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) have been carried out by reaction of select lanthanide nitrate salts with phen and potassium dicyanoaurate. The resultant compounds, [Ln(C12H8N2)(H2O)2{Au(CN)2}3] (Ln = Gd, Tb), are isostructural as established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Prominent structural features in these one-dimensional polymeric compounds are the existence of hexameric aurophilic interactions containing kinked Au6 units, π-stacking from partial phen ring alignment, and strong H-bonding interactions. Photoluminescence measurements illustrate that [Tb(C12H8N2)(H2O)2{Au(CN)2}3] displays enhanced Tb-based emission due to intramolecular energy transfer from the coordinated ligands while [Gd(C12H8N2)(H2O)2{Au(CN)2}3], which lacks low-lying electronic states, exhibits broad-band ligand-based emission.
Pardon Me - The Need for a Fair and Impartial Judiciary

The pardons issued by former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour shortly before he left office created a swirl of controversy in Mississippi that played out in the national media. The Governor's Mansion, the Hinds County Courthouse, the State Capitol, and the Gartin Justice Building were frequent backdrops for media stories that took place over a two-month period reporting on "Pardongate."Several elements combined to make these pardons controversial and to make the issue such good fodder for the media.
Analysis of the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale-28 (CTRS-28):

One hundred and nineteen teachers of 540 normal boys and girls, ages 5 to 10, were administered the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale-28 (CTRS-28). Their responses were analyzed to assess the instrument's internal consistency and its construct and criterion-related validity. Principle components analysis revealed a four-factor structure underlying the scale, rather than the three-factor structure originally reported. Internal consistency of the factors ranged from .79 to .95. Convergent validity with similar rating scales was primarily excellent. Norms for newly derived factors and critical analysis of the usefulness of the CTRS-28 were explored.
Research on Corruption: Critical Empirical Issues

Past research on corruption, both prolific and with a long history, covers many fields. It is not the intention of this chapter to faithfully survey where research stands today or to give an objective and comprehensive view of the many paths such research could take in the future.1 Instead, I try to discuss areas of research emphasis for the next phase of corruption research in an admittedly selective fashion, explicitly recognizing the author’s bias as an operationally-oriented research economist. As such this chapter aims at putting some heretofore under-emphasized issues at the forefront of discussion, as well as furthering debate on unresolved issues.2
Small lunar lander/hopper performance analysis

The goal of this paper is to describe a first-order performance analysis of a lunar hopper 1,2. A hopper is a vehicle that has both landing and surface mobility capabilities on a single platform. Unlike rovers, which traverse the lunar surface while in contact with the ground, hopping reuses the landing propulsion system to lift back off again and “hop” over the lunar terrain. Hopping, as a form of surface mobility, is a novel concept. As such, analysis must be performed to assess how it would fit with an overall lunar landing system architecture. Two trajectory categories are investigated to perform this assessment: the ballistic hop, where the vehicle launches itself into a ballistic trajectory toward the destination, and the hover hop, in which the vehicle ascends and maintains a constant altitude as it travels toward its desired location. Initially, parametric studies of the ballistic and hover hop are carried out in order to make observations about the performance of each hop. Using this data, it is possible to investigate the fuel-optimal hop trajectory. The delta-V costs for the ballistic and hover hops are compared for hop distances between 500 meters and 5000 meters, and in this range it is found that the ballistic hop and hover traverse have comparable delta-V costs. For the entire hop maneuver, however, the hover hop will always be the more delta-V expensive option due to the ascent and descent phases. Nevertheless, this does not rule out the hover hop as a feasible option due to its operational advantages over the ballistic hop.
Locomotor responses of juvenile blind cave fish, Astyanax jordani, to the odors of conspecifics

Juvenile blind cave fish, Astyanax jordani, were tested for locomotor behavior responses to the chemical traces of conspecifics. The fish spent more time in the end of a tank previously occupied by cave fish than in the unoccupied end. There was significant variation in the attraction response, but no fish were more “attractive” than others. Locomotor activity was reduced in the presence of a conspecific's odors. However, the magnitude of the localized, reduced swimming response was low. It is hypothesized that the aggregation tendency is maintained as a vestige in cave populations by hybridization with the schooling river fish, A. mexicanus, from which they apparently evolved.
Testing for Bridging Faults (Shorts) in CMOS Circuits

The stuck-at fault model, which is commonly used with fault simulation, does not adequately evaluate the effects of bridging faults (shorts between adjacent signal lines) in CMOS circuits. Tests for bridging faults can be performed on automatic test equipment, and the test vectors can be evaluated using logic simulation.
What is hospitality

Abstract Some health care organizations looking to improve customer satisfaction have tried to redefine their customers as guests, applying the concept of hospitality to their operations. It is not clear, however, just what hospitality means. This paper reviews the literature of hospitality and proposes a model of hospitality. Some implications for delivering hospitality in a customer service organization are discussed.
Computations of the Flow and Heat Transfer in Microdevices Using DSMC With Implicit Boundary Conditions

The heat transfer and the fluid dynamics characteristics of subsonic gas flows through microchannels are examined using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. A simple implicit treatment for the low-speed inflow and outflow boundaries for the DSMC of the flows in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is used. Micro-Couette flows and micro-Poiseuille flows are simulated with the value of the Knudsen numbers ranging between 0.06 and 0.72. Where appropriate, the calculated velocity slip and temperature distribution are compared with analytical solutions derived from the Navier-Stokes equations with slip-boundary conditions. A patterned microstructure with nonuniform surface temperature is also simulated
Effects of Leaflet Stiffness on In Vitro Dynamic Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Leaflet Shape.

Advances in the development of replacement heart valves require a deeper understanding of the valve dynamics. In the present study, dynamic aortic valve (AV) leaflet geometries were quantified in vitro using a structured laser-light imaging system (Iyengar et al., ABME 29(11):963–973, 2001). Native AV leaflets were first imaged under simulated physiological flow conditions within a rigid glass conduit with simulated anatomic sinuses. Next, the valve/glass conduit combination was removed from the loop and immersed in a 0.625% aqueous glutaraldehyde solution at room temperature for 24 h to produce a bioprosthetic heart valve (BHV). The BHV leaflets were then re-imaged under identical flow conditions while kept in the same position in the glass conduit to minimize artifacts associated with removal/reinsertion of the valve. We observed that: (1) the native leaflet exhibited small, high frequency shifts in shape; (2) the BHV leaflet demonstrated a more stabile shape, as well as focal regions of prolonged, high curvature; (3) the BHV leaflet opened and closed faster by ~10 ms compared to native leaflet; (4) in both the BHV and native states, the AV opened from basal region leading to free edge (5) when closing, both the native and BHV close with both free edge and circumferential together. The high bending observed in the BHV leaflet correlated with known locations of tissue deterioration previously reported in our laboratory. Thus, in order to minimize leaflet tissue damage, methods of chemical modification utilized in BHVs that maintain leaflet flexibility are necessary to minimize the onset and progression of tissue damage. We conclude that leaflet stiffness can have a considerable effect on dynamic valve motion, and can induce deleterious bending behaviors that may be associated with tissue breakdown and valve failure. Moreover, these unique data can provide much needed quantitative information for computational simulation of heart valve leaflet stiffness on heart valve function.
Uncovering global icebergs in distributed monitors

Security is becoming an increasingly important QoS parameter for which network providers should provision. We focus on monitoring and detecting one type of network event, which is important for a number of security applications such as DDoS attack mitigation and worm detection, called distributed global icebergs. While previous work has concentrated on measuring local heavy-hitters using “sketches” in the non-distributed streaming case or icebergs in the non-streaming distributed case, we focus on measuring icebergs from distributed streams. Since an iceberg may be “hidden” by being distributed across many different streams, we combine a sampling component with local sketches to catch such cases. We provide a taxonomy of the existing sketches and perform a thorough study of the strengths and weaknesses of each of them, as well as the interactions between the different components, using both real and synthetic Internet trace data. Our combination of sketching and sampling is simple yet efficient in detecting global icebergs.
'Magic' scissors for genome surgery

The efficient and permanent alteration of a human gene responsible for SCID provides a proof-of-principle demonstration of the potential of zinc-finger nucleases as human therapeutics.
Fractional flow reserve-guided coronary artery bypass grafting: can intraoperative physiologic imaging guide decision making?

Objectives Fractional flow reserve–guided coronary artery bypass grafting is emerging in cardiac surgery, in which the nature (anatomic and functional characteristics) of the target vessel epicardial coronary artery stenosis is important in graft site selection. The nature of the stenosis might determine a different physiologic response to bypass grafting. We report our recent experience using near infrared fluorescence complex angiography and perfusion analysis to identify the nature of stenoses in the target vessel by imaging the physiologic response to grafting. Methods In 167 patients who underwent consecutive multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting cases (63% off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting) with traditional anatomy-based revascularization, we imaged and analyzed 359 grafts (53% arterial). This platform provides angiographic data of both the target vessel epicardial coronary artery and graft simultaneously (to assess the imaged competitive flow); and because a change in fluorescence intensity is proportional to the change in blood flow and perfusion, the quantified change (if any) in regional myocardial perfusion surrounding the grafted target vessel epicardial coronary artery. Results The patient outcomes in our series were excellent. All 359 grafts were widely patent by angiography, and 24% of the arterial and 22% of the saphenous vein grafts showed no regional myocardial perfusion change in response to bypass grafting. In 165 in situ internal mammary artery grafts to the left anterior descending artery (>70% stenosis), 40 had no change in regional myocardial perfusion, and 32 of the 40 had competitive flow imaged. Conclusions An important number of angiographically patent bypass grafts demonstrated no change in regional myocardial perfusion, suggesting anatomic, but nonfunctional, stenoses in those target vessel epicardial coronary arteries. In in situ arterial grafts, imaged competitive flow is associated with nonfunctional stenoses in the target vessel epicardial coronary artery. Imaging these physiologic responses to target vessel revascularization might be useful in the emerging fractional flow reserve–guided era.
Measurement of hydrogen peroxide in ambient air by impinger and diffusion scrubber

Two methods for the determination of gaseous hydrogen peroxide in ambient air were tested during the Carbon Species Methods Comparison Study conducted at Glendora, CA, August 12–20, 1986. Air was sampled by the BNL dual impinger/diffusion scrubber apparatus after ambient ozone removal by addition of NO. Sampling was done during daylight hours (∼ 0800–2000 hours) from a sampling line shared with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and Texas Tech University (TTU) groups. Impinger data were formally compared with results from other methods; they showed afternoon maxima which were generally 1 ppbv the last 4 days of the study, respectively. Data from the diffusion scrubber agreed well with the impinger data if the former are corrected for an ∼ 40% aqueous phase loss of collected H2O2. Error sources for impinger and scrubber data resulting from potential interferences and loss mechanisms are discussed. By acceptance of this article, the publisher and/or reci...
Movements of White-Tailed Deer in Riparian Habitat: Implications for Infectious Diseases

Movements of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are of great concern with respect to spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) across landscapes because most yearlings males disperse and adult males have higher prevalence of CWD than do females and younger deer. We radiocollared and monitored 85 male white-tailed deer in the middle Missouri River Valley of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, USA from 2004 to 2008. Average size (� SE) of fixed-kernel annual home ranges (95%) and core areas (50%) for resident deer were 449 (� 32) ha and 99 (� 7) ha, respectively. Resident deer exhibited a high- degree of fidelity to their home ranges. Mean overlap between consecutive annual home ranges and core areas was 81% and 74%, respectively. Average dispersal distance was 17.7 � 4.5 km (range ¼ 3-121 km) for 22 radio-marked and 6 ear-tagged yearlings. Mean spring dispersal distance (25 km) was 150% greater than fall (10 km). Dispersal direction from Desoto National Wildlife Refuge (DNWR) was bimodal on a northwest to southeast axis that followed the Missouri River corridor. Of 22 yearlings that dispersed 18 (82%) established adult home ranges within the river valley. Dispersal movements of yearling males represent the greatest risk for rapid spread of diseases from infected source populations. Disease management efforts in riparian habitats should target male fawns and yearling males for removal in areas within or immediately adjacent to river corridors. 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Evaluation of the mu and kappa opioid actions of butorphanol in humans through differential naltrexone blockade.

Butorphanol exerts activity at mu, kappa, and delta opiate receptors in rats and monkeys but produces predominant mu-like effects in humans. The aim of this study was to determine if the kappa receptor-mediated actions of butorphanol could be unmasked or enhanced by giving it in combination with naltrexone, an opioid antagonist with higher affinity for mu vs kappa receptors. Ten healthy adult inpatient volunteers (eight men, two women), with opioid abuse histories, completed this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Naltrexone (0, 1, 3, 10, or 30 mg, p.o.) was administered 1 h before butorphanol (0, 6, or 12 mg/70 kg, i.m.) during 15 test sessions. An array of physiological (e.g., vital signs, urine output, and subject- and observer-rated) measures was collected before and for 4 h after drug administration. Naltrexone alone produced no direct effects. Butorphanol alone produced typical mu-, but not kappa-, related physiological effects (e.g., miosis, respiratory depression) and produced mood and drug effects considered typical of both mu (e.g., “liking,” “good drug effects”) and kappa agonists (e.g., increases in perceptual disturbances). Naltrexone pretreatment led to significant butorphanol-induced diuresis (i.e., increased urine output and decreased urine osmolality). Naltrexone generally produced a dose-dependent blockade of subjective responses. These data suggest that naltrexone antagonism unveiled the kappaergic activity of butorphanol as measured by diuresis, while subjective responses generally attributed to mu vs kappa receptors were not dissociable. Moreover, these data demonstrate that butorphanol exerts physiologically relevant kappa agonist activity at these supraanalgesic doses in humans.
Potency of Wild-Type and Temperature-Sensitive Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Matrix Protein in the Inhibition of Host-Directed Gene Expression

The matrix (M) protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) functions in virus assembly and also appears to be involved in the inhibition of host gene expression that is a characteristic cytopathic effect of VSV infection. Previous studies have shown that expression of M protein inhibits host-directed transcription in the absence of other viral gene products and have suggested that only small amounts of M protein are required for the inhibition. In experiments described here, the potency of M protein in inhibition of host-directed gene expression was determined by cotransfecting different amounts of in vitro-transcribed M protein mRNA together with a target gene encoding chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) into BHK cells or PC12 cells that had been cultured in the presence or the absence of nerve growth factor. The results of these experiments showed that the potency of M protein was similar in the two cell types and was not affected by the extent of differentiation of PC12 cells. Inhibition of CAT gene expression by M protein was also independent of the nature of the promoter activating sequences of several different RNA polymerase II-dependent promoters. The amount of M protein needed to give 50% inhibition of CAT expression was estimated to be 6700-11,000 copies per cell. Earlier data that temperature-sensitive (ts) M gene mutants of VSV inhibit host transcription had been interpreted to indicate that M protein was not involved in the inhibition. When the amount of M protein expressed was taken into account, ts M protein was as effective as wild-type M protein in the inhibition of host-directed transcription at the nonpermissive temperature. Thus, inhibition of host transcription by ts M mutants of VSV is due to the potent activity of M protein, which is evident even at the low levels produced at the nonpermissive temperature.
Influence of Layout and Other Design Choices on the Performance of Large-Scale Photovoltaic Systems

AbstractThe electrical performance of a photovoltaic system is influenced by the spatial layout of its components. As a result, designers must understand how to identify layouts that maximize power performance and best utilize land area. In response, this paper presents power performance analyses for a range of typical layout strategies, direct current (DC) power block sizes, and other related engineering considerations for large-scale photovoltaic systems. The results of this study suggest layout strategies that produce squarer DC power block footprint areas and/or that minimizing DC wiring lengths maximize the power output of the photovoltaic system. Additionally, these strategies are likely to minimize construction costs and cost-to-performance ratios. Ultimately, this paper is meant to further communicate the influence of layout on system performance and convey related trends to guide layout optimization explorations within large-scale photovoltaic construction projects.
The Story of the Samaritan and the Innkeeper (Luke 10:30-35): A Study in Character Rehabilitation

The aphorism 'context is everything' has been a guiding principle in many studies of Jesus' parabolic sayings. This is true, for instance, of studies attempting to recover a parable's significance in relation to the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, or in relation to its literary placement and function, or in relation to its polyvalent potential. It is also true of this study, which examines Jesus' narrative of the Samaritan—usually referred to as the 'parable of the good Samaritan'. It suggests that, when the Samaritan story is placed within a certain contextual configuration, its narrative features align themselves in ways that have either been conspicuously neglected or consciously avoided in the history of the story's interpretation. Rather than neglecting or avoiding the significance of these narrative features, this essay seeks to exploit their interpretative significance in a fresh manner, entertaining possibilities of meaning beyond the Lukan interpretative framework. In particular, consideration is given to the relationship between the Samaritan and the innkeeper as representing an exceptional partnership that testifies to the reign of God in making each party vulnerable to loss while promoting goodness towards others.
THE PROBLEM OF PUZZLING PAIRS

Let a be a singular term designating an agent, V be a propositional attitude verb (like 'believes,' 'desires,' or 'hopes'), n and m be co referring proper names, and u and u' be utterances of (la) and (ib), respectively, below. (la) [a V that n is F1 (Ib) [a V that m is Fl
Contingency Planning Over Probabilistic Obstacle Predictions for Autonomous Road Vehicles

This paper presents a novel optimization-based path planner that is capable of planning multiple contingency paths to directly account for uncertainties in the future trajectories of dynamic obstacles. This planner addresses the particular problem of probabilistic collision avoidance for autonomous road vehicles that are required to safely interact, in close proximity, with other vehicles with unknown intentions. The presented path planner utilizes an efficient spline-based trajectory representation and fast but accurate collision probability bounds to simultaneously optimize multiple continuous contingency paths in real time. These collision probability bounds are efficient enough for real-time evaluation, yet accurate enough to allow for practical close-proximity driving behaviors such as passing an obstacle vehicle in an adjacent lane. An obstacle trajectory clustering algorithm is also presented to enable the path planner to scale to multiple-obstacle scenarios. Simulation results show that the contingency planner allows for a more aggressive driving style than planning a single path without compromising the overall safety of the robot.
Experimental Results of Tsunami Bore Forces on Structures

A series of experiments has been carried out at the Tsunami Wave Basin (TWB) at Oregon State University (OSU) to determine the effect of tsunami bores on coastal and near-shore structures, especially buildings and bridges. The TWB is equipped with a piston-type wavemaker capable of generating clean solitary waves. The facility was used to model tsunami bores breaking over coastal reefs and their impact on structural components, including columns, walls, and horizontal members, such as building floors and bridge decks. Detailed wave height and velocity measurements were recorded as well. This paper focuses on the fluid forces of a bore impacting a wall/floor system. The experimental setup will be described and force results will be presented. The experimental results provide needed data to validate CFD models that can then be used to determine forces for a wider variety of situations.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The cyanogen bromide peptides of the apoprotein of low density lipoprotein (apoB): Its molecular weight from a chemical view

Abstract After >95% cleavage of the apoprotein (apoB) of the low density lipoproteins with cyanogen bromide, the peptides produced are shown to be extensively aggregated in sodium dodecyl sulfate. Both high temperature and increased concentration (5%) of the detergent are necessary to shift the aggregated peptides from high molecular weight (>25,000) to lower molecular weight aggregates as seen on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. End group analyses of the cyanogen bromide digestion by automated sequencer techniques indicate the presence of five (5) methionines. With a known methionine content of 16 moles/100,000 g protein, the molecular weight of the apoprotein must be approximately 30,000.
URINARY MALONDIALDEHYDE (uMDA) LEVELS IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH OXYGEN RADICAL DISEASES (ORD) 1274

Using the HPLC methodology, we measured uMDA in 19 preterm infants, with birth weights of 1384 +/- 533 g, GA 30.2 +/- 3.6 weeks, and time of sample collection ranging from 12 to 240 hours. We recorded information on oxygen support, serum bilirubin levels, and clinical disorders related to free radical mechanisms (ORD)including sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchoppulmonary dysplasia.
Effect of Pattern Configuration on the Relation between Pattern Area and Pattern Discrimination

To explore the possibility that brightness-area disparity in sub-portions of correct and incorrect patterns contributes to improved learning with increasing pattern area, hooded rats were tested with two discrimination problems: high disparity (triangle apex-up versus triangle apex-down) and low disparity (triangle apex-left versus triangle apex-right). Increasing pattern area resulted in improved learning for the high-disparity but not for the low-disparity condition. It was concluded that brightness-area disparity does contribute to improved learning with larger patterns and might provide a useful dimension for classification of patterns in experiments designed to explore the interaction of pattern size and pattern configuration.
Compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.

Little is known about gaps in quality and the extent to which clinical standards are used in emergency department (ED) practice. Objectives: To determine whether ED practitioners comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Methods: A retrospective chart review of ED visits was conducted at an urban teaching hospital. Using ICD-9 codes, urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), gonorrhea, and chlamydia cases seen from May 1, 2000, to February 28, 2001, were identified. Documentation of components of the history, physical examination, diagnostic testing, prescribed antibiotics, and discharge instructions necessary to comply with the CDC guidelines were abstracted. This set of comprehensive criteria was compared with a less stringent subset of selected criteria. Results: Two hundred forty-six patient visits were identified, and 203 (83%) were included. Forty-eight men and 155 women were included: 48 (24%) with urethritis, 34 (17%) with cervicitis, and 121 (60%) with PID. For urethritis, cervicitis, and PID, respectively, there was documentation of compliance with indicators related to the following: history 73%, 15%, and 14%; physical examinations 63%, 15%, and 22%; diagnostic testing 79%, 71%, and 71%; antibiotic use 33%, 32%, and 32%; and safe sex instructions 50%, 18%, and 15% of the time. Men were more likely to receive safe sex instructions (p ≤ 0.01). Total (100%) compliance in all five domains occurred 8% of the time for urethritis, 3% for cervicitis, and never for PID. The rates of 100% compliance were not significantly different when a subset of selected criteria was used. Conclusions: Deficits in adherence to recommended guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of STDs exist in ED practice.
Atypical pericardial cyst location: the role of multimodality imaging.

An 85-year-old woman with symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica underwent chest X-ray which disclosed a rounded opacity in the upper half of the left hemithorax, adjacent to the cardiac silhouette ( Panel A , white arrow). Chest computed tomographic scan revealed the presence of a 7 × 4 × 6 cm thin-walled homogeneous lesion, …
Do deaf children have a typical personality

Abstract Four personality characteristics—impulsivity, hyperactivity, rigidity, and suspiciousness—often reported as characteristic of deaf adults and children, were investigated in a longitudinal study from early childhood of 171 deaf rubella adolescents and 34 normal controls. In 75% of the adolescents whose sole handicap was deafness and in 94% of the normal controls symptoms were not present. Only 32% of the deaf multihandicapped were symptomfree. Those in whom deafness was the only handicap had higher impulsivity than the normals. The longitudinal analysis of impulsivity differentiated the deaf from the deaf multihandicapped. Self-abuse remained constant in the latter group, while it gradually disappeared in those whose sole handicap was deafness.
Using Kernel Equating to Assess Item Order Effects on Test Scores

This study explored the use of kernel equating for integrating and extending two procedures proposed for assessing item order effects in test forms that have been administered to randomly equivalent groups. When these procedures are used together, they can provide complementary information about the extent to which item order effects impact test scores, in overall score distributions and also at specific test scores. In addition to detecting item order effects, the integrated procedures also suggest the equating function that most adequately adjusts the scores to mitigate the effects. To demonstrate, the statistical equivalences of alternate versions of two large-volume advanced placement exams were assessed.