cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opioid Prescribing Patterns Among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: A Regional Survey-Based Study.

PURPOSE We sought to obtain baseline statistics regarding the amount of opioid tablets prescribed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) in the New England area after office-based procedures and to identify factors that might be predictors of their prescription patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS An anonymous online survey was e-mailed to practicing OMSs in the New England area. The survey explored the quantity of opioid medications prescribed for various procedures, how opioid precautions were given, practitioners' attitude toward opioid dependency, and whether certain surgeon- or patient-related factors influenced prescription behavior. Statistical analyses were used to categorize the OMSs according to their prescription patterns and to identify the most common factors affecting their decision to prescribe opioids. RESULTS Of 315 OMSs, 151 (43%) responded to the survey. Our analyses were of complete data obtained from 118 respondents. For procedures, such as extraction of 7 or more teeth, the placement of 4 or more implants, office-based sinus surgery, cortical block grafts, and removal of third molar teeth, respondents indicated they typically prescribed 8 to 12 opioid tablets. For all other procedures, they typically never or rarely prescribed opioid tablets. The respondents were grouped into low-, medium-, and high-quantity opioid prescribers. Regardless of their grouping status, the respondents showed general agreement regarding their roles in reducing opioid prescription-related issues. No group differences were found in terms of the demographic variables. Relative to the factors predicting increased prescribing habits, the results suggested that OMSs working either exclusively or primarily in academic settings tended to prescribe fewer opioid tablets than those working primarily in the private setting (β = -2.73; P < .001). Additionally, 109 respondents (92.4%) reported that OMSs could play a role in decreasing opioid dependency. CONCLUSIONS Most practicing OMSs in the New England area prescribed opioids after office-based surgery and are cognizant of the risks of opioid medications.
Three Flavors of RGB-D Visual Odometry: Analysis of cost function compromises and covariance estimation accuracy

Bayesian estimation hinges on characterization of measurement uncertainty. In this work we investigate classical and recent approaches for characterizing uncertainty in pose change estimation for several visual odometry (VO) algorithms, which can then be used in autonomous navigation or other estimation problems. Visual odometry algorithms estimate the relative 3D motion, i.e., pose-change, based on the change in scenery captured by a time sequence of color and, more recently, depth images. We compare three different algorithms (two feature-based and one pixel-based) on the basis of accuracy, robustness and reported uncertainty. Each method adopts a semantically-distinct yet physically-meaningful cost function to solve for pose-change and this work characterizes the trade-offs associated with the respective cost function formulation and algorithmic solution. We then discuss how to characterize the uncertainty of their resulting estimates using both classical theory, e.g., Fisher Information matrix, and statistical approaches, e.g., the bootstrap technique. Results highlight the ability of these approaches to create both an accurate measurement and, critically, a relevant per-measurement covariance value appropriate for use in Bayesian estimators with applications in guidance, navigation and control (GNC).
Understanding the Experience of Cancer Pain From the Perspective of Patients and Family Caregivers to Inform Design of an In-Home Smart Health System: Multimethod Approach

Background: Inadequately managed pain is a serious problem for patients with cancer and those who care for them. Smart health systems can help with remote symptom monitoring and management, but they must be designed with meaningful end-user input. Objective: This study aims to understand the experience of managing cancer pain at home from the perspective of both patients and family caregivers to inform design of the Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention for Cancer (BESI-C) smart health system. Methods: This was a descriptive pilot study using a multimethod approach. Dyads of patients with cancer and difficult pain and their primary family caregivers were recruited from an outpatient oncology clinic. The participant interviews consisted of (1) open-ended questions to explore the overall experience of cancer pain at home, (2) ranking of variables on a Likert-type scale (0, no impact; 5, most impact) that may influence cancer pain at home, and (3) feedback regarding BESI-C system prototypes. Qualitative data were analyzed using a descriptive approach to identity patterns and key themes. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS; basic descriptive statistics and independent sample t tests were run. Results: Our sample (n=22; 10 patient-caregiver dyads and 2 patients) uniformly described the experience of managing cancer pain at home as stressful and difficult. Key themes included (1) unpredictability of pain episodes; (2) impact of pain on daily life, especially the negative impact on sleep, activity, and social interactions; and (3) concerns regarding medications. Overall, taking pain medication was rated as the category with the highest impact on a patient’s pain (=4.79), followed by the categories of wellness (=3.60; sleep quality and quantity, physical activity, mood and oral intake) and interaction (=2.69; busyness of home, social or interpersonal interactions, physical closeness or proximity to others, and emotional closeness and connection to others). The category related to environmental factors (temperature, humidity, noise, and light) was rated with the lowest overall impact (=2.51). Patients and family caregivers expressed receptivity to the concept of BESI-C and reported a preference for using a wearable sensor (smart watch) to capture data related to the abrupt onset of difficult cancer pain. Conclusions: Smart health systems to support cancer pain management should (1) account for the experience of both the patient and the caregiver, (2) prioritize passive monitoring of physiological and environmental variables to reduce burden, and (3) include functionality that can monitor and track medication intake and efficacy; wellness variables, such as sleep quality and quantity, physical activity, mood, and oral intake; and levels of social interaction and engagement. Systems must consider privacy and data sharing concerns and incorporate feasible strategies to capture and characterize rapid-onset symptoms.
Imaging strain-localized exciton states in 2D semiconductors at room temperature

In monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, quantum emitters are associated with localized strain that can be deterministically applied to create designer nano-arrays of single photon sources. Despite an overwhelming empirical correlation with local strain, the nanoscale interplay between strain, excitons, defects and local crystalline structure that gives rise to these quantum emitters is poorly understood. Here, we combine room-temperature nano-optical imaging and spectroscopy of excitons in nanobubbles of localized strain in monolayer WSe2 with atomistic structural models to elucidate how strain induces nanoscale confinement potentials that give rise to highly localized exciton states in 2D semiconductors.
Does mathematics need new axioms

Does mathematics need new axioms? was the second of three plenary panel discussions held at the ASL annual meeting, ASL 2000, in Urbana-Champaign, in June, 2000. Each panelist in turn presented brief opening remarks, followed by a second round for responding to what the others had said; the session concluded with a lively discussion from the floor. The four articles collected here represent reworked and expanded versions of the first two parts of those proceedings, presented in the same order as the speakers appeared at the original panel discussion: Solomon Feferman (pp. 401–413), Penelope Maddy (pp. 413–422), John Steel (pp. 422–433), and Harvey Friedman (pp. 434–446). The work of each author is printed separately, with separate references, but the portions consisting of comments on and replies to others are clearly marked.
A Stretch Too Far: Flaws in Comparing Slavery and the Death Penalty

The impacts of racial discrimination on the use of the death penalty in the United States has been a frequent subject of study and debate. While much has been written regarding how slavery and racial biases have influenced the death penalty, the relationship between the abolition movements fighting to end slavery and the death penalty remains less explored. In his book, Slavery and the Death Penalty: A Study in Abolition, Bharat Malkani explores the similarities and differences between the two movements. This Article provides an overview of the book’s analysis of the two movements and discusses some of the book’s shortcomings, including its false equivalence on the issue of dignity, its factual inaccuracies, and its lack of discussion addressing counterarguments.
FXS-causing missense mutations disrupt FMRP-containing neuronal granule formation, dynamics, and function

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most prevalent cause of inherited mental deficiency and is the most common monogenetic cause of autism spectral disorder (ASD). Here, we demonstrate that disease-causing missense mutations in the conserved K homology (KH) RNA binding domains (RBDs) of FMRP cause defects in its ability to form RNA transport granules in both cells and neurons. Using molecular, genetic, and imaging approaches in the Drosophila FXS model system, we show that the KH1 and KH2 domains of FMRP regulate distinct aspects of neuronal FMRP granule formation, dynamics, and transport. Furthermore, mutations in both KH domains disrupt translational repression in cells and the localization of known FMRP target mRNAs in neurons. These results suggest that the KH domains play an essential role in neuronal FMRP granule formation and function. Dysregulation of these processes may be linked to FXS.
Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Hormones in Plant Responses to Temperature Changes

Temperature stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that adversely affect agricultural productivity worldwide. Temperatures beyond a plant's physiological optimum can trigger significant physiological and biochemical perturbations, reducing plant growth and tolerance to stress. Improving a plant's tolerance to these temperature fluctuations requires a deep understanding of its responses to environmental change. To adapt to temperature fluctuations, plants tailor their acclimatory signal transduction events, and specifically, cellular redox state, that are governed by plant hormones, reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulatory systems, and other molecular components. The role of ROS in plants as important signaling molecules during stress acclimation has recently been established. Here, hormone-triggered ROS produced by NADPH oxidases, feedback regulation, and integrated signaling events during temperature stress activate stress-response pathways and induce acclimation or defense mechanisms. At the other extreme, excess ROS accumulation, following temperature-induced oxidative stress, can have negative consequences on plant growth and stress acclimation. The excessive ROS is regulated by the ROS scavenging system, which subsequently promotes plant tolerance. All these signaling events, including crosstalk between hormones and ROS, modify the plant's transcriptomic, metabolomic, and biochemical states and promote plant acclimation, tolerance, and survival. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the ROS, hormones, and their joint role in shaping a plant's responses to high and low temperatures, and we conclude by outlining hormone/ROS-regulated plant responsive strategies for developing stress-tolerant crops to combat temperature changes.
What is the "opposite" of a value? A lexical investigation into the structure of generally undesirable goal content.

OBJECTIVES Past taxonomies of goal-content have focused (either exclusively or predominantly) on generally-desirable values, and they suggest that some values oppose other values. However, many goals are generally-undesirable (i.e., the average person is committed to avoiding them), and these "vices" have been under-studied. This is an important gap because other models suggest that the "opposite" of a value is actually a vice. METHODS To fill this gap, we conducted a lexical investigation. Two large samples (involving 504 undergraduates & 257 online participants) first rated their commitment to approaching or avoiding a large number of goals from the English lexicon. RESULTS Analyses indicated that vices can be summarized in terms of Elitism, Rebellion, and Disrepute, which appear opposite from Inclusiveness, Tradition, and Prominence values (respectively) in MDS models. In Study 3 (involving 280 undergraduates) and Study 4 (involving 261 online participants), we found that Schwartz values of Universalism, Tradition, and Self-Enhancement actually appeared opposite from Elitism, Rebellion, and Disrepute (respectively) in MDS models, rather than from other values. CONCLUSIONS This investigation develops an instrument which can distinguish between different vices at a holistic level, and it suggests that they are actually the opposite of select values.
Ophthalmic artery aneurysm treated by surgical clipping and balloon-assisted temporary carotid occlusion

A 29-year-old woman is diagnosed with a large broad-base right ophthalmic artery aneurysm. Despite an intact visual field, she complained of mild right visual blurriness. Between endovascular and surgical treatments, surgery was favored due to her young age. It was decided to perform the surgery with simultaneous endovascular temporary carotid balloon occlusion. A right pterional craniotomy and intradural anterior clinoidectomy were performed, the balloon was positioned in the petrous carotid, and the distal durai ring was opened exposing the proximal neck. Under temporary proximal carotid balloon occlusion and distal carotid clip occlusion, the aneurysm was fully dissected and clipped. Intraoperative angiogram confirmed complete aneurysm occlusion and patency of the ophthalmic artery. The patient's neurological exam remained unchanged. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/BIQKTl9bDqA.
Experience in the Use of a Custom Modular Titanium Intramedullary Rod in Resection/Arthrodesis of the Knee

A modular titanium intramedullary rod has been designed for resection/arthrodesis of the knee using a curved femoral and straight tibial rod joined together with a conical press-fit taper joint. Rods of 11-mm, 13-mm, and 15-mm diameter can be joined in any combination to accommodate the dissimilar intramedullary canal diameters. The conical press-fit joint is designed with a 4° taper with equilaterally spaced locking screws to prevent distraction and rotation. Titanium was selected for construction because of its favorable modulus of elasticity and fatigue characteristics.
Time-shift scheduling: fair scheduling of flows in high speed networks

We present a scheduling protocol, called time-shift scheduling, to forward data packets from multiple input flows to a single output channel. Each input flow is guaranteed a predetermined forwarding rate and an upper bound on packet delay. The protocol is an improvement over existing protocols because it satisfies the properties of low delay, fairness, and efficiency, while existing protocols fail to satisfy at least one of these properties. In time-shift scheduling, each flow is assigned an increasing timestamp, and the packet chosen for transmission is taken from the flow with the least timestamp. The protocol features the novel technique of time shifting, in which the scheduler's real-time clock is adjusted to prevent flow timestamps from increasing faster than the real-time clock. This bounds the difference between any pair of flow timestamps, thus ensuring the fair scheduling of flows.
Ego Identity and Temporality: Psychoanalytic and Existential Perspectives

Erikson's concept of ego identity is related to the existential concept of temporality. Both concepts emphasize the integration of past, present, and future into a sense of continuity. The signific...
Transverse or oblique presentation of the fetus in the last ten weeks of pregnancy: Its causes, general nature, and treatment

Abstract The literature shows little evidence of much attention given to transverse or oblique presentation of the fetus during the last trimester of pregnancy. We believe that such fetal position, especially if it tends to persist, is of definite clinical importance and should be considered as sufficient reason for carrying out soft-tissue x-ray studies of the uterus, in order to visualize the placenta and determine its location, the necessity for which determination will be demonstrated. The purpose of this paper is to show the principal causes and the significance of transverse or oblique presentation of the fetus in the last ten weeks of pregnancy. The frequency of occurrence of transverse presentation at or near full term in large series of cases has varied between 0.56 per cent (Schroeder 6 ) and 0.96 per cent (Williams 7 ). Greenhill 8 states that it “occurs about once in every 200 cases, more often in multiparas than in primiparas and more frequently in premature labor than at term”.
Tuberculous false aneurysm of the abdominal aorta with rupture into the stomach; a case report with review of the literature.

Abstract 1.1. The twenty-three reported cases of tuberculous aneurysm of the abdominal aorta have been reviewed briefly. 2.2. The forty-one reported instances of rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta into the gastrointestinal tract, five of these into the stomach, have also been reviewed and three cases from the literature have been added. 3.3. These have been tabulated serially with those of Rottino 4 and of Hunt and Weller. 5 4.4. A case of tuberculous aneurysm of the abdominal aorta which ruptured into the stomach has been reported. An aneurysm of this type with rupture at this site seems to be unique in medical literature.
The Intentions Behind the Creation of Barbie

Many researchers of Barbie are either entirely positive or negative in their outlook on the purpose of the doll. Some claim that Barbie was created for girls to have an imaginative outlet, but others say that Barbie was meant to confine and restrict women within a certain role. Many agree with the creator, Ruth Handler, that Barbie was a symbol of the independent woman; however, others believe she was limited to a traditional woman’s place in the 1950s and 1960s. Using Barbie novels published in the early 1960s, which have been analyzed by only few authors, and other primary and secondary sources, I will attempt to write a balanced history of the intentions behind the creation of Barbie while discussing the difficulty of determining the truth behind her creation. This article is available in Constructing the Past: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/constructing/vol10/iss1/4
When Conventional Heart Failure Therapy is Not Enough: Angiotensin Receptor Blocker, Direct Renin Inhibitor, or Aldosterone Antagonist?

In patients on conventional heart failure therapy including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, the addition of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), direct renin inhibitors (DRIs), or aldosterone antagonists are therapeutic options to further reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, whether one is preferable over the other is not known. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs), until March 2011, of trials testing either an ARB, DRI, or an aldosterone antagonist in patients with heart failure who were on conventional heart failure therapy with follow-up of at least 3 months. Efficacy (death, cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization and composite of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization) and safety (hyperkalemia, hypotension, renal failure) outcomes were compared. The authors identified 16 RCTs involving 31,429 participants that satisfied the inclusion criteria. When compared with placebo (reference rate ratio [RR] of 1), aldosterone antagonists reduced the rate of death (RR, 0.79; 95% credibility interval [CrI], 0.66-0.98), cardiovascular death (RR, 0.78; 95% CrI, 0.65-0.93), heart failure hospitalization (RR, 0.74; 95% CrI, 0.55-0.94), and the composite of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization (RR, 0.73; 95% CrI, 0.55-0.90) with no difference for other efficacy outcomes. However, ARBs and DRIs did not result in any significant reduction in the rate of any of the efficacy outcomes when compared with placebo. When compared with placebo (RR=1), ARBs increased the rate of hyperkalemia (138% increase), renal failure (126% increase), and hypotension (63% increase). Similarly, aldosterone antagonists resulted in a 110% increase in hyperkalemia and DRIs with a 98% increase in hypotension. In patients with heart failure and reduced systolic function on conventional heart failure medications, the risk benefit ratio favors the addition of aldosterone antagonists over ARBs or DRIs.
Validation of a new HPLC-UV method for determination of the antibiotic linezolid in human plasma and in bronchoalveolar lavage

A rapid and selective HPLC-UV method was developed for the quantification of linezolid (LNZ) in human plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at the concentrations associated with therapy. Plasma samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction followed by evaporation to dryness and reconstitution in mobile phase solution. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a C18 column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of dihydrogen phosphate buffer 50 mm (pH 3.5) and acetonitrile (60:40 v/v). The detection was performed using a photodiode array. Under these conditions, a single chromatographic run could be completed within 12 min. The method was validated by estimating the precision and the accuracy for inter- and intra-day analysis in the concentration range of 25–25600 ng/mL. The method was linear over the investigated range with all the correlation coefficients R > 0.999. The intra- and inter-day precision was within 8.90% and the accuracy ranged from −4.76 to +5.20%. This rapid and sensitive method was fully validated and could be applied to pharmacokinetic study for the determination of LNZ levels in human plasma and BAL samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic exercises for teen-age dysmenorrhea; a statistical comparison of the Billing and Mosher techniques in the Philadelphia School System.

Abstract 1. 1. During a period of more than 8 years, 5,324 girls of nineteen Philadelphia Junior High, Senior High, and Vocational Schools were treated for dysmenorrhea by either the Billig or Mosher exercises. 2. 2. Both exercises gave approximately the same results. On the average, more than three fourths of the girls were either “cured” (complete absence of symptoms for at least the last 3 months of follow-up) or improved. This rate varied from school to school and ranged from 60 to 100 per cent. 3. 3. The over-all average of “cure” per school was 20 per cent. This is practically the same per cent of cases that, in a previous study, resolved without any therapy. 4. 4. Although there is no specific evidence in our study that exercises affect the rate of total cures, they seem to offer a simple easy approach for at least partial relief of dysmenorrhea.
Mucocutaneous features of Chikungunya fever: a study from an outbreak in West Bengal, India

Background Chikungunya fever (CF) epidemic has recently re-emerged in India on a large scale affecting many parts of the country. We have reviewed the mucocutaneous manifestations of the disease in a number of cases. Methods Twenty six serologically proven cases of CF with rash from the district of 24-Paraganas (North) in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal were subjected to detailed clinical study to investigate the chronology and evolution of mucocutaneous lesions, the type and distribution of the rash, and systemic changes. Result Most patients were in their 3rd and 4th decade (23% each). Males and females were equally affected. Most patients developed the rash concomitantly with the onset or during the febrile illness, but 5 (19.2%) developed rash after defervescence. Most (57.7%) patients developed rash within the first 2 days of fever. The upper limb was the most common site of first appearance of lesions. Morbilliform eruption was the most common type of lesion noted, followed by scaling, macular erythema, intertrigo, hypermelanosis, xerosis, excoriated papules, urticaria and petechial spots. Cutaneous lesions were generally asymptomatic but 5 (19.2%) patients had intense pruritus. Mucosal lesions were found in 4 (15.4%) patients. Moderate to marked joint involvement was universal. Conclusion CF exanthem may have varying morphology. Since the disease is spreading widely in different parts of the world, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any acute febrile arthropathy with rash.
The Role of Organizational Culture and Climate in Innovation and Effectiveness

The challenge of improving organizational effectiveness through innovation has played a central role in organizational research and practice for well over a century. The early improvement efforts, ...
Systematic evaluation of the characteristics and generation of low-frequency plasmaspheric hiss

Plasmaspheric hiss emissions, which are typically observed inside the plasmasphere, are known to play an important role in controlling the overall structure and dynamics of the Earth's radiation belts through pitch angle scattering. Although the characteristics of hiss have been studied using previous satellite data, the statistical results need further improvement due to the limited frequency coverage and resolution of previous satellites, and the difficulty of differentiating hiss from other types of emissions in the inner magnetosphere. Moreover, despite its recognized importance, the generation of plasmaspheric hiss has been a topic of intense debate for over four decades since its discovery.
Free-living physical activity characteristics, activity-related air trapping and breathlessness, and utilization of transtheoretical constructs in COPD: A pilot study

Abstract Objective Many patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) experience air trapping at rest and during exercise. This study examined the relationship between air trapping and air hunger breathlessness during acute physical activity (PA) engagement. In addition, we examined free-living movement patterns of COPD patients, as well as their utilization of psycho-behavioral factors known to influence PA behavior. Methods Ten current or former smokers with COPD ( M age = 70 years) participated. Baseline pulmonary function measurements were gathered and participants completed a graded exercise test (2, 2.5, and 3 mph; 5 min each). At each stage, air hunger breathlessness was rated using the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile (MDP). Inspiratory capacity (IC) measurements were also collected to monitor air trapping. Data regarding PA and sedentary behavior was measured over 7 days using accelerometry. Results The results (mean [SD]) showed air trapping during exercise. IC levels across baseline and the 3 stages, respectively, were 1.66 (.62) L, 1.33 (.52) L, 1.35 (.58) L, and 1.28 (.57) L. A significant difference occurred between baseline and stage 1 (p = .01). Coincident low-to-moderate air-hunger breathlessness was observed across baseline and the 3 stages (Likert scale 0–10): 0.44 (1.01), 1.44 (2.12), 2.33 (2.59), and 2.67 (2.64). Participants utilized few PA-related psycho-behavioral strategies and spent the majority (67.4%) of their waking hours in sedentary behavior, while only engaging 5 min a day of moderate intensity PA and 0 min at vigorous-intensity PA. Conclusions These COPD patients were intolerant to low levels of exercise intensity, resulting in little PA engagement, and also utilized few PA-related psycho-behavioral strategies.
Steady-state absorption rate models for use in relaxation rate studies with continuous laser excited photothermal lens spectrometry

This paper examines the solutions of kinetic rate equations for prediction of the photothermal lens signals under irradiance conditions that can lead to optical saturation or bleaching. The relaxation kinetics resulting from forcing excited state populations in multiple levels by high excitation irradiance continuous lasers is examined and irradiance-dependent photothermal lens signals are predicted. The analyses described in this paper are based on simple kinetic models for optical excitation and subsequent excited state relaxation. Dark-state relaxation is assumed to be extremely fast compared to limiting kinetics resulting in simplified excited state models. Kinetic models are derived for two, four and five active level molecular systems. Gaussian laser beam profiles are assumed and time dependent photothermal lens signals are calculated. Models account for excitation laser profile, thermal relaxation of the spatially and temporally distorted heating rate distribution resulting from nonlinear absorption, and metastable state relaxation. This heating rate is used to calculate the temperature change distribution and subsequently the optical elements needed to model the experimental photothermal signals.
Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus Production in Southwest Mississippi

ABSTRACT Field experiments were used to determine the effect of three within-row plant spacings (30.0, 45.0, and 60.0 cm) on lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) survival, growth, yield, and quality. Studies were conducted on a Memphis silt loam (fine, silty, mixed thermic; Typic Hapludalfs) soil in southwest Mississippi. Field plot design was a randomized complete block (RCB) with four replications of each within-row plant spacing (treatment). Plant survival ranged from 75.0 to 82.0% in 2002, and from 49.3 to 95.8% in 2003. In both cases, survival was more at wider plant spacing compared to closer plant spacing. Plant growth components per unit area generally increased in response to decrease in within-row plant spacing during both study periods. The relationship between growth components and shoot fresh weight was positively significant for plant width and number of tillers. Leaf quality (volatile oils) were higher at closer plant spacing, compared to wider plant spacing. Soil potassium level at the end of ...
Assessing the idealized predictability of precipitation and temperature in the NCEP Climate Forecast System

[1] The 24-year retrospective forecast data set from the NCEP Climate Forecast System (CFS) is analyzed to study its idealized predictability of precipitation and temperature under its current configuration. The analysis approach assumes the forecasting model and system to be predicted share exactly the same physics so that the idealized predictability is calculated and serves as the upper limit of the predictive skill in practical forecasts. The analysis shows that CFS is not capable of predicting itself over much of the mid-latitudes land areas for precipitation and temperature anomalies having small temporal (monthly) and spatial (2.5° × 2.5° grid) scales at lead-times longer than a month. Anomalies become more predictable with the increase in temporal and spatial scales and with the decrease in lead-times, as illustrated with results from the central US region. The results imply that additional care should be taken when using climate model seasonal forecast products.
Immunochemistry on ultrathin frozen sections

Ultrathin frozen sections can be cut smoothly from many fixed and appropriately treated specimens. To use such sections for immunochemical localization of intracellular antigens, fixa ion conditions must be selected to optimize at least three variables, namely, preservation of ultrastructure, preservation of antigenicity and retention of accessibility of the antigen to the antibody. Furthermore, staining of the sections must be such that both the immunolabels and structures are clearly recognized. Our efforts to attain these goals are described in relation to their historical background. Although there are still problems to be solved and improvements to be made, we now consider that cryoultramicrotomy has reached the stage of being useful in studying many questions which will not be easily approached otherwise.
Ethnicity-Specific Pharmacogenetics: The Case of Warfarin In African Americans

Using a derivation cohort (N=349), we developed the first warfarin dosing algorithm that includes recently discovered polymorphisms in VKORC1 and CYP2C9 associated with warfarin dose requirement in African Americans (AAs). We tested our novel algorithm in an independent cohort of 129 AAs and compared the dose prediction to the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium (IWPC) dosing algorithms. Our algorithm explains more of the phenotypic variation (R2=0.27) than the IWPC pharmacogenomics (R2=0.15) or clinical (R2=0.16) algorithms. Among high-dose patients, our algorithm predicted a higher proportion of patients within 20% of stable warfarin dose (45% vs 29% and 2% in the IWPC pharmacogenomics and clinical algorithms, respectively). In contrast to our novel algorithm, a significant inverse correlation between predicted dose and percent West African ancestry was observed for the IWPC pharmacogenomics algorithm among patients requiring ⩾60 mg per week (β=−2.04, P=0.02).
Effect of applied stress on the helium inflow characteristics of hydrated portland cement

Abstract Studies of porous hydrated portland cement have been carried out to assess quantitatively some aspects of microstructural deformation due to applied stress. Hydrated portland cement paste cured for six years at a water/cement ratio of 0.6 was sliced into discs 1.25 mm thick. These were positioned in a specially designed sample holder and loading device that permitted the specimens to be placed under uniaxial compressive stress at 7.1, 14.8 and 22.8 MPa. Helium intake and pycnometric measurements were made at 0, 2.5, 4.5, 7.0 and 9.0 per cent moisture loss with respect to the 11 per cent RH condition. Maximum effects were observed at 7.0 per cent moisture loss, at which helium intake was reduced by 48 per cent at 40 h. Densities were also reduced by stress, and it was concluded that entrances to interlayer space were constricted during application of stress.
Hepatic epidermal growth factor-regulated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase activity in the rat: lack of identity with known forms of Raf and MEKK

Mitogenic signaling involves protein kinases that phosphorylate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activator, MEK. In rats, basal hepatic MEK kinase activity is low in vivo in both adult rats and late gestation fetal rats, and is markedly stimulated by intraperitoneal administration of epidermal growth factor (EGF). The level of stimulated MEK phosphorylating activity is approximately 15 times higher in fetal liver than in adult liver. To identify regulated forms of the two categories of MEK kinase, Raf and MEKK, Western immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation kinase assays and immunodepletion studies were performed. Western immunoblotting confirmed that Raf-1, A-Raf, B-Raf, MEKK1 and MEKK2 were present at similar levels in E19 and adult liver. However, specific immunoprecipitation kinase assays did not detect any kinases that could account for marked EGF sensitivity or the higher level of activity in E19 fetuses. Immunodepletion studies produced a marked reduction in immunoreactive Raf/MEKK content and activity, but a minimal decrease in the ability of chromatography fractions to phosphorylate and activate recombinant MEK-1. Our results indicate that hepatic, EGF-sensitive MEK kinase activity may reside with a previously unidentified and physiologically relevant form of Raf and/or MEKK.
The performance loss of unilateral interference cancellation

We tackle the problem of determining the beamforming and combining weights in a network of interfering multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) links. We classify any strategy for computing these weights as either unilateral or bilateral. A unilateral strategy is one for which the responsibility of cancelling interference from one node to another is preassigned to lie solely with only one of the two nodes, so that the other node is free to ignore the interference. Many existing strategies for managing interference in a network of MIMO nodes adopt the unilateral approach. In contrast, a bilateral strategy is one for which the responsibility of cancelling interference from one node to another is not preassigned, but is instead shared by both sides as the weights are computed. We present numerical examples to illustrate that bilateral strategies can significantly outperform unilateral strategies, especially for large networks and high interference. In one example, a bilateral approach delivers an aggregate capacity that is 227% higher than that of the best unilateral approach. We conclude that, although unilateral strategies are useful for determining whether or not the streams allocated in a network of MIMO links can coexist, the weight computation should be done bilaterally to prevent throughput loss.
Writing Self-Efficacy and Written Communication Skills:

Writing is an essential professional skill. The goal of writing instruction in business communication classes is to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully meet future writing challenges. However, many writers struggle to transfer skills and knowledge from one context to another. The primary reason for this struggle is that despite years of writing instruction, most people are highly apprehensive about writing and do not consider themselves “writers.” Writing instruction typically does little to lessen writing apprehension, but fostering writing self-efficacy can both diminish writing apprehension and further writing development.
Borel stay-in-a-set games

Consider an n-person stochastic game with Borel state space S, compact metric action sets A 1,A 2,…,A n , and law of motion q such that the integral under q of every bounded Borel measurable function depends measurably on the initial state x and continuously on the actions (a 1,a 2,…,a n ) of the players. If the payoff to each player i is 1 or 0 according to whether or not the stochastic process of states stays forever in a given Borel set G i , then there is an e-equilibrium for every e>0.
Modeling field emission array tips using the MICHELLE gun code algorithm

We report on the incorporation of a model for field emitters (FE) in the MICHELLE Particle-In-Cell (PIC) beam optics code1. The FE model is based on a Point Charge Model (PCM)2 and allows for rapid and analytical representations of tip current, variation, and emission statistics. Its usage enables determining the impact of emission variation on current characteristics and emittance. Rather than cold field emission characterized by the Fowler Nordheim (FN) equation, a General Thermal-Field (GTF) emission model treats warm and hot field emission sources.
Centrifugal elutriation (counterstreaming centrifugation) of cells

Lindahl first described the separation of cells by velocity sedimentation utilizing a special technique (counterstreaming centrifugation) that was later modified slightly and renamed centrifugal elutriation. Centrifugal elutriation has been applied, with variable degrees of success, to the separation of hemopoietic cells, mouse tumor cells, testicular cells, and a variety of other specialized cells as well as cells in particular phases of the cell cycle. The capacity of the elutriator to separate large numbers of cells is its chief advantage. The purities of the separated cells have not been compared with the purities of cells separated by other methods in most cases; such comparisons would permit more sophisticated comparison of elutriation with other techniques for velocity sedimentation.
Second-order statistics-based blind equalization of FIR/IIR multiple-input multiple-output channels with common zeros

The problem of blind equalization of MIMO communications channels is considered using the second order statistics of the data. Such models arise when a single receiver data from multiple sources is fractionally sampled, or when an antenna array is used with or without fractional sampling. We focus on direct design of finite-length MMSE blind equalizers. We allow infinite impulse response channels. Our approaches also work when the 'subchannel' transfer functions have common zeros so long as the common zeros are minimum-phase zeros. We only require that the there exist a causal, stable left inverse to the MIMO transfer function and that the leading coefficient matrix of the MIMO channel impulse response have its rank equal to the number of sources. The channel length or model orders need not be known. The sources are recovered up to a unitary mixing matrix and are further 'unmixed' using higher- order statistics of the data. An illustrative simulation example is provided.
Blood-brain transport of triiodothyronine is reduced in aged rats

An age-related decline in blood-brain barrier transport of thyroid hormones may contribute to the central nervous system changes with aging. To test this hypothesis, the brain uptake index (BUI) of levo (l) and dextro (d triiodothyronine (T3) was determined in male Fischer 344 rats at 6 months of age (young) and 26 months of age (aged). Young rats pair fed with aged were included to control for reduced food intake in aged rats. The l-T3 BUI of aged rats (22.4 ± 2.1%) was significantly reduced compared to young rats (29.5 ± 2.0%) or young rats pair fed with aged rats (28.5 ± 2.5%) (p<0.05). This could not be attributed to age-related changes in BBB permeability or to reduced cerebral blood flow. At steady state conditions, the brain uptake of either l-T3 or d-T3 was not altered with aging. There were no significant changes in plasma or brain binding of T3. These results indicate that the reduced BBB transport of T3 in aged rats is counterbalanced by a reduction in T3 clearance from the brain.
Scaling the membership function

On propose une base theorique pour construire une fonction de qualite de membre au moyen de comparaisons par paire
Adsorption of nitrogen, argon, and neon on sintered copper and of neon on argon-coated sintered copper at low temperatures

The results of measurements of adsorption isotherms are given for nitrogen, argon, and neon on bare sintered copper and on sintered copper covered with a monolayer of argon. The temperatures employed where 77.3 K for the N2 and argon, and 17.26, 20.22, 22.64, 25.71, and 27.00 K for the neon, and the pressure range was from 0.25 to 200 Torr. The sintered copper specimen was of mass 170 g, made with powder (Alcan Metal Powders, Inc., “Druid Copper,” grade MD60), which had an average particle size of 2 × 2 × 0.5 µ. The sintering was done at 650°C for 0.5 h. The bare surface area e in m2/g, of the sintered copper specimen was found from the N2 adsorption isotherms at 77.3 K. This gave e=0.41 m2/g, based on a molecular area of N2 of 13.8 A2 (solid N2). The N2 and argon isotherms on the bare sintered copper at 77.3 K yielded values of the monolayer coverage ofV m =0.11 cm3(STP)/g for N2 andV m =0.11 cm3(STP)/g for argon. The neon results showed that at any given pressure and temperature the mass of neon adsorbed was less when the adsorption was on argon-coated copper than on bare copper. Calculations were made of the isosteric heat of adsorptionQ st for neon, and the results are presented graphically as functions of the coverage. For neon adsorption on the bare copper,Q st /R had a maximum value of about 390 K at a coverage of about 0.2 cm3(STP)/m2, and it decreased to about 275 K at 0.5 cm3(STP)/m2. For neon on the argon-coated copper,Q st /R had a maximum value of about 320 K- at the lowest coverages and fell to about 245 K at 0.5 cm3(STP)/m2. The shape of theQ st /R curve vs. coverage for neon indicated that the argoncoated copper was more homogeneous from an adsorptive point of view than the bare copper. TheQ st /R vs. coverage curves allowed an assessment to be made of the monolayer coveragesV m , which were 0.38 cm3(STP)/m2 for neon on the bare sintered copper and 0.34 cm 3 (STP)/m 2 on the argon monolayer coated on the sintered copper. This indicated that the effective area for adsorption on the argon monolayer was 0.37 m 2 /g, which was 10% less than that for the bare copper. In addition, theQ st /R values at monolayer coverage were found to be 306 K on the bare copper and 275 K on the argon monolayer.
Research on Undocumented Immigrants and Public Policy: A Study of the Texas School Case

The Texas School Case arose over an attempt to deny undocumented immigrant children (irregular status migrants) access to public education. This article reviews and evaluates the case and social, p...
An evaluation of Medicaid selective contracting in California

This study used 1982-1986 data on 262 private community hospitals to evaluate the effects of selective contracting for inpatient services by California's Medicaid program. Selective contracting by Medicaid significantly reduced the rate of inflation in average costs per admission and per patient day, while slightly increasing average lengths of patient stays. Private sector contracting also reduced cost inflation rates significantly and caused small, non-significant, reductions in lengths of stays. Hospital savings in 1986 due to Medicaid selective contracting were $836 million, 7.6% of what hospital expenditures would have been in the absence of contracting.
An empirical evaluation of three methods for deadlock analysis of Ada tasking programs

Static analysis of Ada tasking programs has been hindered by the well known state explosion problem that arises in the verification of concurrent systems. Many different techniques have been proposed to combat this state explosion. All proposed methods excel on certain kinds of systems, but there is little empirical data comparing the performance of the methods. In this paper, we select one representative from each of three very different approaches to the state explosion problem: partial-orders (representing state-space reductions), symbolic model checking (representing OBDD-based approaches), and inequality necessary conditions (representing integer programming-based approaches). We apply the methods to several scalable concurrency examples from the literature and to one real Ada tasking program. The results of these experiments are presented and their significance is discussed.
Data-driven suggestions for creativity support in 3D modeling

We introduce data-driven suggestions for 3D modeling. Data-driven suggestions support open-ended stages in the 3D modeling process, when the appearance of the desired model is ill-defined and the artist can benefit from customized examples that stimulate creativity. Our approach computes and presents components that can be added to the artist's current shape. We describe shape retrieval and shape correspondence techniques that support the generation of data-driven suggestions, and report preliminary experiments with a tool for creative prototyping of 3D models.
FeO and SiO2 in the lower mantle

Abstract The composition of the lower mantle should not be estimated from molar averaging the molar volumes and seismic parameters of the oxides MgO, FeO, and SiO 2 (stishovite) because (1) the density of the lower mantle is considered to be that of an isochemical mixture of oxides contrary to the probable existence of transitions to denser phases, (2) the value of the seismic parameter of stishovite is not well known, and (3) variations on the molar averaging scheme such as interpolating the density and seismic parameter within a composition triangle whose vertices are the high-pressure phases of forsterite, hortonolite, and silica lead to inconsistent and rather arbitrary results for the FeO and SiO 2 content of the lower mantle. There is no strong evidence for the enrichment of either component in the lower mantle.