cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL FLUIDITY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ON EGO INTEGRITY IN OLDER ADULTS

The population of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) Americans is growing as the number of older adults “come out. ” While we know that “coming out” later in life impacts the experience of aging, little research has examined ways in which social support and sexual fluidity influence ego integrity in older adults. The present study investigated ego integration, changed sexual behavior, and perceived social support in adults 45 years of age and older who had been in a long-term relationship with the opposite sex prior to “coming out” as LGB. The average of participants was 61 years, sixty-eight percent (N = 43) were currently married or in a domestic partnership, and eighty-six percent (N = 54) identified as Caucasian. Individuals were recruited to participate in the survey utilizing online social media. Results (N = 63) suggested that those whose behavior was more sexually fluid were least ego integrated. Timing of “coming out” LGB, Early (44 and younger) versus Late (after the age of 45) impacted the degree of sexual fluidity and perceived social support. Results indicated those who “came out” Late were more sexually fluid and were less fearful of “coming out. ” The most significant result revealed social support from significant others to be most impactful compared to friends and family. This research expands on the challenges of those who are aging in a non-normative environment. The implications suggest that individuals who “come out” later have a more difficult time with accepting their sexual fluidity.
An Analysis of Clinical and Histopathologic Features of Fibrous Dysplasia of the Jaws: A Series of 40 Cases and Review of Literature.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare condition commonly involving the jaws. While FD has a typical clinical and histological presentation, considerable variation exists. Moreover, overlap of features with other disorders is possible. This study serves to characterize the features of a large case series of FD of the jaws. With IRB approval, the University of Florida Oral Pathology Biopsy Service archive was retrospectively searched from 1994 to 2015 for cases of FD. Epidemiological data, location, duration, clinical and radiographic appearance, clinical impression and exact microscopic diagnosis were recorded. The average age was 37.3 years (range 7–87 years) with majority of cases in females (67.5%). The most common ethnicity was Caucasian. Maxillary location was predominant (59%), followed by mandible (38%) and multiple locations (3%). Expansion was reported in 78% of cases. Radiographically, most cases exhibited ground glass opacity, however some presented with a mottled or mixed radiopaque/radiolucent appearance. Histologically, a wide variation in terms of stromal cellularity, presence of osteoblastic rimming, and presence of calcified material mimicking cemento-osseous dysplasia was observed. Clinicians and pathologists should be cognizant of the significant variability in clinical, histopathologic, and radiographic presentation of FD, which may pose a diagnostic challenge.
Influence of crambe meal as a protein source on intake, site of digestion, ruminal fermentation, and microbial efficiency in beef steers fed grass hay.

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated beef steers (558 +/- 37 kg) were arranged in a 4 x 4 Latin square to evaluate the influence of crambe meal as a protein source on intake, digestion, and microbial efficiency. Steers were offered chopped (10.2 cm) brome hay (6.2% CP) for ad libitum consumption and one of four supplements. Protein sources used were soybean and crambe meals (CM). Protein sources were blended to provide four levels of supplemental CM protein (0, 33, 67, and 100%). Protein supplements were fed to provide similar amounts of protein and energy. Amounts of supplements fed were 831, 885, 950, and 996 g of DM/steer daily for 0, 33, 67, and 100% CM treatments, respectively. Crambe meal represented 0, 2.00, 3.83, and 5.88% of the DM intake for respective treatments. Steers were allowed a 21-d adaptation to diets before each collection period. Supplements were offered at 0800 and forage at 0830. Crambe meal had no influence (P > .10) on forage and total DM intake (grams/kilogram of BW). Apparent total tract, ruminal, and postruminal digestion of OM, NDF, ADF, and N were unaffected (P > .10) by CM supplementation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A 37-Year-Old Man With Pleuritic Chest Pain

Case Presentation A 37-year-old man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes presented with severe right-sided pleuritic chest pain, respiratory splinting, and cough. Two weeks earlier, he had been evaluated at an urgent care for cough and was prescribed a 5-day course of azithromycin for bronchitis. He then presented to our ED reporting mild, right-sided pleuritic chest pain. Vital signs were normal, and his chest radiograph showed a trace right pleural effusion ( Fig 1 A). He was discharged with naproxen for pleurisy. Three days later, he returned, reporting a dramatic increase in the severity of his pleuritic chest pain and a cough that had become productive of yellow-brown sputum. He denied fever, but endorsed chills and night sweats. His medications included atorvastatin, lisinopril, metformin, and saxagliptin. His parents were from Guam, although he was born and raised in San Diego, CA. He was employed as a social worker and denied any history of cigarette smoking, alcohol, or drug use.
Flying Transportation Technology

To have pleasant road trips, avoid commuting, and spend less time on journey to arrive at the desired destination much faster, a model of flying transportation technology has been proposed. The vision behind this technology is to design an economical, safe, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. This study seeks to present a 3D numerical simulation of external flow for a flying automobile with well-designed rectangular NACA 9618 wings. To enhance its airborne capabilities, this car’s aerodynamic traits have been professionally measured and adjusted, such that it utilizes minimal takeoff velocity. Besides, the vehicle will have an integrated 3D k-omega turbulence model, which captures a fundamental flow physics enhancing the performance during takeoff. This forms the theoretical basis of the flying car. The numerical aspect comprises a limited-edition Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation (RANS) comprehensible schemes. Generally, the vehicle is designed with highly functional wings that allow divergent deployments during takeoff to maximize its air performance. Because of the utilization of wind during the flying process, the model has integrated wind turbines that enables wind recodification to propel the car in the air. Considering the combination of technologies involved in the design of the flying car, it is one of the most sophisticated inventions that will not only facilitate safe transportation and save trillions of dollars annually but also significantly help in saving the ecosystem.
Idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis secondary to lactulose use in patients with cirrhosis.

Background and aim Few case reports exist that link lactulose use with pneumatosis intestinalis in cirrhotics. This study investigates the relationship between lactulose use and idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis in a cohort of cirrhotic patients. Methods This case series considers several notable cases of patients with idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis and concurrent lactulose use. Idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis was defined as pneumatosis intestinalis with no identifiable etiology. A cohort of 119 patients with cirrhosis and pneumatosis intestinalis were identified in a tertiary care setting, via chart review by a multidisciplinary team. Eleven of these patients were found to have idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis. Nine of these patients were being treated with lactulose. Results Six out of 9 patients with idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis that were being treated with lactulose saw resolution of pneumatosis intestinalis following discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions The etiology of idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis is likely multifactorial, but lactulose might play a preventable role in its formation.
Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) for EEG Approach to Neuroergonomics

To study the underlying neural mechanisms of human cognitive and physical activities, various neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI, fNIRS, and EEG have been used. Dynamic causal modeling (DCM) for EEG method has gained a considerable amount of attention in recent years for exploring the directional causal relationship between brain areas. Studies using the DCM for EEG method have investigated contemporary neuroergonomics research topics such as mechanisms behind the event-related potential (ERP) components, mismatch negativity (MMN), abnormal coupling of neural regions in neurologically disordered patients, and causal connections supporting motor tasks. This chapter is a good guide for both novice and experienced neuroergonomics researchers as it introduces the motivations behind DCM for EEG and its developmental timelines, as well as explains fundamentals of the DCM for EEG including the neural mass models, state and observer’s equation, and the model selection processes. This chapter also summarizes recent studies that used the DCM for EEG method in the past 10 years in terms of the tasks, preprocessing steps, model construction, and selection. Lastly, recommendations for the future DCM-based neuroergonomics research are presented.
Local Racial Diversity, Intergroup Contact, and Exclusionary Organizational Preferences Among Whites

The demographic landscape of the United States is rapidly changing and by 2045 the U.S. will become a “minority White” country. We leverage several unique datasets to examine (1) how experiencing z...
Verifying Global Optimality of Candidate Solutions to Polynomial Optimization Problems using a Determinant Relaxation Hierarchy.

We propose a method for verifying that a given feasible point for a polynomial optimization problem is globally optimal. The approach relies on the Lasserre hierarchy and the result of Lasserre regarding the importance of the convexity of the feasible set as opposed to that of the individual constraints. By focusing solely on certifying global optimality and relaxing the Lasserre hierarchy using necessary conditions for positive semidefiniteness based on matrix determinants, the proposed method is implementable as a computationally tractable linear program. We demonstrate this method via application to several instances of polynomial optimization, including the optimal power flow problem used to operate electric power systems.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal lesions in dogs chronically treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Background Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common pharmaceutical associated with gastroduodenal ulceration and perforation. The prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) injury associated with chronic use of NSAIDs in dogs is unknown. Objective/hypothesis To determine the prevalence of GI mucosal erosions in dogs receiving chronic treatment with NSAIDs. We hypothesized that dogs receiving NSAIDs would have more GI mucosal erosions and longer GI transit time than a control population. Animals Fourteen client-owned medium- and large-breed dogs receiving an NSAID for at least 30 days and 11 client-owned control dogs undergoing video capsule endoscopy (VCE) for evaluation of chronic GI disease. Methods Dogs were prospectively recruited after determining no clinically relevant comorbidities were present and VCE was performed. The GI transit time and the presence of mucosal lesions were recorded. Results Twelve dogs receiving NSAIDs and 11 retrospectively evaluated control dogs were included. The NSAIDs administered included carprofen (9 dogs), meloxicam (2 dogs), and firocoxib (1 dog) for a median of 6 months. Ten (83.3%; 95% confidence interval; 51.6%-97.9%) NSAID-treated dogs had GI erosions. Erosions were seen with all 3 NSAIDs in at least 1 dog. Three of 11 control dogs had gastric erosions. Dogs receiving NSAIDs had more erosions detected (P = .004). Conclusions and clinical relevance Subclinical GI erosions are more common in dogs receiving chronic treatment with NSAIDs than in control dogs with chronic GI disease, suggesting that NSAIDs be used with caution, particularly in dogs with comorbidities predisposing them to GI ulceration.
In the Moment: Fostering Mindfulness and Reducing Stressors in the Healthcare Workplace:

While healthcare design research has primarily focused on patient outcomes, there is a growing recognition that environmental interventions could do more by promoting the overall quality of care, a...
Advances in healthcare wearable devices

Wearable devices have found numerous applications in healthcare ranging from physiological diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and muscle disorders to neurocognitive disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other psychological diseases. Different types of wearables are used for this purpose, for example, skin-based wearables including tattoo-based wearables, textile-based wearables, and biofluidic-based wearables. Recently, wearables have also shown encouraging improvements as a drug delivery system; therefore, enhancing its utility towards personalized healthcare. These wearables contain inherent challenges, which need to be addressed before their commercialization as a fully personalized healthcare system. This paper reviews different types of wearable devices currently being used in the healthcare field. It also highlights their efficacy in monitoring different diseases and applications of healthcare wearable devices (HWDs) for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Additionally, current challenges and limitations of these wearables in the field of healthcare along with their future perspectives are also reviewed.
Editorial Comment: External Fixation Hardware-A New Application for Iterative Metal Artifact Reduction on CT.

This Editorial Comment discusses the following AJR article: CT in Patients With External Fixation for Complex Lower Extremity Fractures: Impact of Iterative Metal Artifact Reduction Techniques on M...
Using Minicomputers for Courseware Delivery

Much has been written about the development of computer-based instruction in institutions where this mode of teaching is well established. The signs of a nutritive environment include administrative backing, processing on large machines, availability of special-purpose CAI languages, high-level programming support for language refinement, staff deployment to encourage faculty authoring, and evidence of extramural financial support. The present communication does not emanate from such an environment. At the Medical Center of The George Washington University, CAI is a relative newcomer and has only been developed on a small scale. Accordingly, our experience may be of particular interest to those institutions that are contemplating the addition of this capability to their educational programs and are looking for an economical approach to such implementation.
The Policy Game of Nonprofit Organizations in Civil Society

This book displays the nonprofit organization as a major player in the public policy process. The business firm carries its mission primarily through the market, the nonprofit does it through public policy. The nonprofit or nongovernmental organization (NGO) is engaged in policy making and implementation. It is instrumental in lobbying for bills, crafting new laws and regulations. It influences public opinion, political platforms, parties, and the choices of electoral candidates and appointed officials. Playing in public policy, advancing its mission through this process, is the first of four common characteristics of all nonprofits. The second characteristic is that the nonprofit constitutes a social capital asset. That is, the founding group (not a single private person) that funds and operates the nonprofit also owns the assets and benefits of the organization. The beneficiaries nonetheless are not only the group members, they also can be from the general public. The third common characteristic is that the nonprofit is a voluntary agent of the public. Its mission is to serve the public interest and deliver service in areas such as education, health, welfare, culture, arts, science, religion, and sports. The mission is defined in the organizational charter and meets the legal code that justifies tax exemption and other benefits granted to not-for-profit organizations. Author Bryce’s theoretical model for analysis and comparison of nonprofits closes with the fourth common feature of these organizations—namely, the principal–agent paradigm. The nonprofit performs both as social capital and public agent within the principal–agent framework. To be specific, in a liberal democracy the people are the principal and the government represents them as an agent. After the government grants a contract to the nonprofit and oversees its compliance, the government becomes the managing agent that monitors the nonprofit on behalf of Public Organiz Rev (2007) 7:191–193 DOI 10.1007/s11115-007-0030-7
Sexual Identity Issues Related to Homosexuality in the Residential Treatment of Adolescents

Sexual identity issues related to homosexuality are often of significant importance to adolescents in care. Sexual abuse histories, a possible over-representation of gay and lesbian adolescents in care and the dynamics of the group care environment all contribute to heighten the saliency. Policy and practice recommendations are offered for affirmatively handling these issues.
Feature-preserving 3D thumbnail creation with voxel-based two-phase decomposition

We present a feature-preserving 3D thumbnail system for efficient 3D models database browsing. The 3D thumbnail is simplified from the original model so it requires much less hardware resource and transferring time. With topology-preserved 3D thumbnails, the user can browse multiple 3D models at once, and view each model from different angles interactively. To well preserve the topology of the original model, we propose an innovative voxel-based shape decomposition approach, which identifies meaningful parts of a 3D object, the 3D thumbnail is then created by approximating each individual part with fitting primitives. Experimental results demonstrates that the proposed approach can decompose a 3D model well to create a feature-preserving 3D thumbnail.
Variegation of the Immune Response with Dendritic Cells and Pathogen Recognition Receptors

One of the most fundamental questions in biology is: "How do cells differentiate in the right place, at the right time, into the right kinds?" Understanding the phenomenon of cell differentiation in its spatial and temporal framework is a prelude to understanding the development and physiology of all multicellular systems, including the immune system. Insights over the past 2300 years, since Aristotle, suggest that biological differentiation is guided by the interplay between genetic programs and specific environmental signals. This is exemplified by the mammalian immune response to pathogens, where qualitatively different types can emerge. Although it is appreciated that this type immunity is critical for optimal defense against different pathogens, the early "decision-making mechanisms" are largely obscure. Recent developments in innate immunity and genomics, especially in the biology of dendritic cells (DCs) and pathogen recognition receptors, have stimulated intense research in understanding the mechanisms guiding the differentiation of Th1, Th2, and T regulatory responses. In this study, I summarize recent findings which suggest that activation of DCs via distinct pathogen recognition receptors stimulate different gene expression programs and signaling networks in DCs that guide the variegation of immune responses.
Expression and Localization of Escherichia coli Alkaline Phosphatase Synthesized in Salmonella typhimurium Cytoplasm

The Escherichia coli structural gene for alkaline phosphatase was inserted into Salmonella typhimurium by episomal transfer in order to determine whether this enzyme would continue to be localized to the periplasmic space of the bacterium even though it was formed in a cell that does not synthesize alkaline phosphatase. The S. typhimurium heterogenote synthesized alkaline phosphatase under conditions identical to that observed with E. coli. This enzyme appeared to be identical to that synthesized by E. coli, and was quantitatively released from the bacterial cell by spheroplast formation with lysozyme. These results showed that localization is not a property unique to the E. coli cell and suggested that, in E. coli, enzyme location is related to the structure of the protein. Formation of alkaline phosphatase in the S. typhimurium heterogenote was repressed in cells growing in a medium with excess inorganic phosphate, even though only one of the three regulatory genes for this enzyme is on the episome. Thus, S. typhimurium can supply the products of the other two regulatory genes essential for repression even though this bacterium seems to lack the structural gene for alkaline phosphatase.
Self-Heating in a GaN-Based Heterojunction Field-Effect Transistor Investigated by Ultraviolet and Visible Micro-Raman Spectroscopy

Direct measurements are reported of self-heating in an AlGaN/GaN transistor using ultraviolet and visible micro-Raman. Device stack is comprised of silicon substrate, AlN nucleation, AlGaN transition, GaN buffer, and AlGaN barrier layers. Phonon shifts are used to estimate temperature rise. Ultraviolet measurements probe the current- carrying GaN near the interface. Visible micro- Raman measurements provide an average temperature rise through GaN, AlN, and substrate near its interface with AlN. Under identical drive conditions, temperature rises from UV micro-Raman are approximately twice those from visible measurements. Correlating the data with a thermal simulation provides an estimated thermal boundary resistance of 1*10^&#8722;8 K&#8226;m^2/W.
Reaction and Kinetic Studies of Lactic Acid Conversion over Alkali-Metal Salts

Studies of lactic acid catalytic conversion over alkali salts and bases on silica demonstrate that the yield of 2,3-pentanedione (23P) increases with decreasing Lewis acidity of the alkali metal, from 15% for lithium hydroxide at 320 °C to 49% for cesium hydroxide at 280 °C. The rate of 23P formation varies linearly with alkali metal loading up to saturation at 2 mmol of catalyst/g of support. Experiments with different silica supports showed that acetaldehyde formation increases with support acidity, reducing 23P yield. Postreaction FTIR studies indicate the presence of alkali lactate as the dominant species on the support surface at reaction conditions. These results, along with the kinetic model developed, support the proposed mechanism of 23P formation as a condensation between lactic acid and alkali lactate.
Constitutional Revision and the City: The Enforcement Acts and Urban America, 1870–1894

Congressional enactment of the Enforcement Acts in 1870 and 1871 marked an unprecedented federalization of voting rights. The various election laws aimed to make real the promise of the recently enacted Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments to the constitution. A complex duality characterized this new departure in the constitutional understanding of democratic suffrage. On one hand, Republican leadership looked to secure the rights of freedmen in the Reconstruction-era South. At the same time, from the outset, northern Republicans strategically worked to strengthen the party in all regions with a particular interest in urban America. From the immediate postwar years down to the early 1890s, congressional committees regularly investigated the problematic and deeply partisan politics of enforcement. Often, House and Senate investigators were more concerned with developments in northern cities than with the state of African American voting across the rural South. This urban story of the consequences of constitutional revision illuminates the often-obscured national dimensions of Reconstruction and its aftermath, while also alerting us to shifting visions of the vote across the final third of the nineteenth century. This essay explores this nationalization of Reconstruction in the wake of the Fifteenth Amendment's enactment by first documenting the central place of New York City in the emerging postbellum electoral regime and then expanding out from Manhattan to look at broader patterns of urban experience with enforcement.
Dember and photo-electromotive-force currents in silicon photoconductive detectors

Dember and photo-electromotive-force (PEMF) currents are investigated in silicon photoconductive detectors both theoretically and experimentally. Dember photocurrents were found to dominate the response of high-purity silicon samples with top-surface electrodes to a moving interference pattern. The use of surface electrodes leads to shadowed regions beneath the electrodes, and Dember photocurrents appear under short-circuit conditions. A single-charge-carrier model of the Dember effect is in good qualitative agreement with experimental results. We also show theoretically that the PEMF effect in silicon is weak compared with other semiconductors because of its relatively high intrinsic conductivity.
Methane adsorption on a martian soil analog: An abiogenic explanation for methane variability in the martian atmosphere

Recent observations suggest methane in the martian atmosphere is variable on short spatial and temporal scales. However, to explain the variability by loss reactions requires production rates much larger than expected. Here, we report results of laboratory studies of methane adsorption onto JSC-Mars-1, a martian soil simulant, and suggest that this process could explain the observations. Uptake coefficient (γ) values were measured as a function of temperature using a high-vacuum Knudsen cell able to simulate martian temperature and pressure conditions. Values of γ were measured from 115 to 135 K, and the data were extrapolated to higher temperatures with more relevance to Mars. Adsorptive uptake was found to increase at lower temperatures and larger methane partial pressures. Although only sub-monolayer methane surface coverage is likely to exist under martian conditions, a very large mineral surface area is available for adsorption as atmospheric methane can diffuse meters into the regolith. As a result, significant methane may be temporarily lost to the regolith on a seasonal time scale. As this weak adsorption is fully reversible, methane will be re-released into the atmosphere when surface and subsurface temperatures rise and so no net loss of methane occurs. Heterogeneous interaction of methane with martian soil grains is the only process proposed thus far which contains both rapid methane loss and rapid methane production mechanisms and is thus fully consistent with the reported variability of methane on Mars.
Atomic Heats of Cesium, Rubidium, and Lithium Between 0.35 and 2°K

The electronic and lattice contributions to the atomic heat of lithium, rubidium, and cesium have been determined from heat capacity measurements on large high-purity samples between 0.35 and 2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The linear contribution to the heat capacity yields a value for $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ of 1.71 for Li, 4.07 for Rb, and 6.29 for Cs in mJ/mole-${(\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}\mathrm{K})}^{2}$. Interpreting this linear contribution to the heat capacity in terms of the density of single-excitation states at the Fermi level, a thermal effective mass $\frac{{C}_{\mathrm{el}}}{{C}_{0}}=\frac{\ensuremath{\gamma}}{{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}}=\frac{m}{{m}_{0}}$ is obtained. The value is $\frac{m}{{m}_{0}}=2.31$ for Li, 2.14 for Rb, and 2.82 for Cs. These values for the thermal effective mass suggest considerable anisotropy for the Fermi surface and are compared with the band calculations of F. S. Ham, and a calculation by Silverstein which combines the results of the band calculation with electron-electron interaction. The value for Li is in good agreement with that of Martin, but the effective mass for rubidium and cesium are considerably larger than the values of 1.26 and 1.43 obtained by Lien and Phillips. The lattice contribution to the very low-temperature heat capacity is described by a value of ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{0}=58.7$ for Rb and ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{0}=40.6$ for Cs. The dependence of $\ensuremath{\Theta}$ on temperature is given and the values at 2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are in good agreement with the data of Lien and Phillips and the data of McCollum and Silsbee.
Synthesis and characterization of La4MnCu6S10

Abstract The new quaternary sulfide La4MnCu6S10 has been synthesized by the reaction of La2S3, MnS, and CuS2 at 1223 K. This compound crystallizes in a new structure type in space group P 1 of the triclinic system with one formula unit in a cell of dimensions at 153 K of a=6.6076(3) A, b=7.3247(3) A, c=8.7844(4) A, α=83.457(1)°, β=74.398(1)°, γ=89.996(1)°, and V=406.61(3) A3. The structure of La4MnCu6S10 consists of a three-dimensional framework of interconnected LaS7 monocapped trigonal prisms, MnS6 octahedra, and CuS4 tetrahedra. Band gaps of 2.49 eV in the [100] direction and 2.53 eV in the [001] direction have been derived from optical absorption measurements on a La4MnCu6S10 single crystal.
The stability of voter perceptions: A comparison of candidate positions across time using the spatial theory of voting

This paper tests the relative stability of voters' evaluations of candidates' policy positions over time. Using survey responses rating political figures in the 1980 and 1984 elections, a scaling procedure recovers the estimated positions of candidates and voters in a two-dimensional ideological space. Comparisons of candidate positions along ideological dimensions reveals little movement during that interval. Incumbency is also proposed as a new measurement for nonpolicy candidate characteristics in empirical tests of the spatial model. The results imply that voter perceptions of candidates are remarkably stable over this four year time period.
Reinitiation of vegetative growth from aseptically cultured terminal floral apex of banana.

Terminal floral apices of Musa acuminata cv. Dwarf Cavendish were isolated and cultured in a modified Murashige and Skoog ( 1962) medium supplemented with N6-benzylamino purine (5 mg/L) and 10% (v/v) coconut water. Under these conditions, the determinate floral buds are transformed into a multiplying vegetative shoot system. Rooted plantlets were obtained by treating shoots with the auxin, naphthaleneacetic acid (1 mg/L), and activated charcoal (0.025%). Practical benefits resulting from these observations, such as the production of virus-free plants and the rapid multiplication of stock material, are discussed. WITH THE ONSET of flowering, the apical meristem of a banana plant ceases initiating foliar organs and begins to produce floral primordia. This transition from indeterminate to determinate growth marks the end of vegetative growth since flower and fruit formation becomes the last activity of an individual shoot merlstem. This large monocotyledonous herb has a pseudostem comprised of layers of concentrically arranged sheathing leaf bases with radiating laminae that emerge from a perennial rhizome or corm (Simmonds, 1966). Mature banana plants consist of a clump of such pseudostems, but one shoot inevitably takes the lead thereby relegating the other shoots to the status of followers or suckers. In the vegetative condition, the underground corm or rhizome is the true stem and only in the development of the flowersng shoot does the stem become conspicuous. At the "shooting stage," when the fruiting stalk emerges from the hollow of the pseudostem, the stem is terminated by a conspicuous purple knob of bract-covered sterile male flowers. In dessert bananas, the male knob is followed by a substantial expanse of naked and scarred stem and then a series of developing hands of fruit (the bunch) comprised of fingers (Alexandrowicz, 195 5). In cultivation when the bunch is cut, that individual shoot does not again bear fruit but provides nutrzent to the suckers. One of these suckers will, in its turn, take the lead of growth. It has long been recognized that flower for
Acute effects of acephate and methamidophos and interleukin-1 on corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) synthesis in and release from the hypothalamus in vitro.

Abstract Acute effects of Ace, Meth and IL-1 on AChE activity, ACh and CRF mRNA levels in, and CRF-release from the hypothalamus were studied in vitro. The hypothalamus samples were dissected from the rat brain and were incubated in vitro with IL-1, Ace or Meth in the presence or absence of Dex, Atrop, PTL, PROP and GABA. Ace and Meth, but not IL-1, inhibited AChE activity, while all three compounds; (1) increased ACh and CRF mRNA levels in and CRF release from; (2) activated the CRE promoter region of CRF-gene in: and (3) increased cFos binding to the AP-1 region of the CRF-gene in the hypothalamus. Dex suppressed the effects of IL-1, possibly by inducing the nGRE regulatory sites of the CRF-gene. Dex, however, did not modulate the effects of Ace and Meth on the hypothalamus, which may be attributed to the failure of Dex to modulate the CRF-gene's nGRE regulatory sites. Atrop caused 80–90% inhibition of the effects of IL-1, but caused only 50–65% inhibition of the effects of Ace or Meth on CRF mRNA levels in and CRF release from the hypothalamus. PTL did not affect, while PROP slightly attenuated the effects of IL-1 and the insecticides on the hypothalamus. GABA attenuated the effects of the insecticides but not the effects of IL-1 on the hypothalamus. This suggests that the IL-1-induced augmentation of CRF synthesis in and release from the hypothalamus is mediated through a cholinergic pathway, while the insecticide-induced augmentation of CRF synthesis in and release from the hypothalamus is mediated through the cholinergic and GABAergic pathways. The insecticides, but not IL-1, disrupt feedback regulation of CRF synthesis in and release from the hypothalamus.
Total Cross Sections of Light Nuclei for p , T -Neutrons

The total cross sections of Li, Be, ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}$, B, C, and O were measured for neutrons of energies between 1 and 3.3 Mev. Neutrons of about 20-kev energy spread were produced by bombarding a thin layer of Zr in which tritium had been absorbed with protons from the electrostatic generator. Resonances were observed in all nuclei except Li. In addition to well-defined levels, evidence was found for slow variations of the cross sections with energy which might be explained by the presence of very wide levels in all these elements.
Synthesis and characterization of two isomeric, self-assembled arsenic-thiolate macrocycles.

The use of labile As−S bond formation in the self-assembly of discrete supramolecular structures is extended. Macrocyclic structures of chemical formula As2L2Cl2 (H2L = α,α‘-dimercapto-p-xylene) were prepared and characterized. Diastereomeric syn and anti isomers of these macrocycles were selectively crystallized and characterized in the solid state using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both the syn and anti macrocycles show close contacts between the arsenic(III) ions and the aromatic carbons, consistent with intramolecular arsenic−π interactions. The dynamic behavior of the isomers in solution is also investigated. anti-As2L2Cl2·AsCl3 crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/c (No. 14) with a = 10.6194(5) A, b = 16.7780(9) A, c = 8.5725(4) A, β = 100.6830(10)°, and Z = 2. syn-As2L2Cl2 crystallizes in orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62) with a = 10.8881(8) A, b = 19.3511(14) A, c = 9.9524(7) A, and Z = 4.
First-principles studies of the dynamics of [2]rotaxane molecular switches.

Realization of controlled binary switching in individual molecules is of fundamental importance for nanoscale electronics where the use of molecular components promises the flexibility of engineering performance through controlled organic synthesis. The active component of the [2]rotaxane molecule consists of a cyclobis-(paraquat-p-phenylene) ring-shaped structure [(CBPQT4+)(PF6−)4], proposed to switch between two stations, tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and 1,5-dioxynapthalene (DNP), that lie along a common molecular backbone. However, there are still several open questions regarding their operation and performance, particularly in a device geometry. In this work, the switching speed of crossbar array devices based on [2]rotaxane arrays is studied with first principles density functional theory (DFT). The energetics of a likely configurational pathway for the CBPQT-ring shuttling along the molecular backbone between stations is computed and analyzed, as are ionization potentials and electrostatic screening pro...
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: ‘Let your women keep silence in the churches…’

Abstract Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz chose to take the veil not only because she had no wish to marry but because in her time the convent was the only environment which sanctioned a woman's desire for a life of study and meditation. However, her brilliant mind ventured far beyond the parameters permitted by her church, for she devoted a large part of her literary activities to secular topics, dared to criticize the male Catholic establishment and questioned the Church's inconsistent—and to her, oppressive—treatment of women. In her autobiographical letter ‘The Reply to Sister Philotea’ (1691) she took her most radical feminist stance and artfully manipulated both Scripture and patristic texts to support her personal ends: the right of women to an education and to an intellectual life.
HEPA Filter Efficiencies Using Thermal and Air-Jet Generated Dioctyl Phthalate

Abstract High Efficiency Particulate Aerosol (HEPA) filters must exhibit a minimum collection efficiency of 99.97% when quality-control tested with a 0.3 micron mono-disperse dioctyl phthalate (DOP) aerosol. Many facilities also test these filters in-place, using a polydisperse DOP aerosol to determine the integrity of the air cleaning system. An experimental test program was carried out to: (a) measure size characteristics of the polydisperse aerosol produced using different commercial forms of DOP, and (b) relate HEPA filter efficiencies using monodisperse and polydisperse DOP aerosols. The relationships developed provide a rational basis for defining “unsatisfactory” HEPA filters using field test data and baseline criteria set for quality-control tests.
Apomorphine-induced hypothermia affected by acute treatment with apomorphine, haloperidol, or ethanol.

Apomorphine-induced hypothermia was studied in rats pretreated with a dose of apomorphine (1 mg/kg, IP), haloperidol (0.25 mg/kg, IP), ethanol (3 g/kg, PO), or apomorphine+ethanol. Pretreatment with apomorphine attenuated the hypothermic response, pretreatment with either haloperidol or ethanol potentiated it, and pretreatment with apomorphine together with ethanol did not alter it. These data show that an acute treatment with a dopaminergic drug can alter the responsiveness of the dopaminergic thermoregulatory system, and also that ethanol has an inhibitory effect on the dopamine mechanism.
Pulsed Doppler evaluation of atrial mechanical function after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

Full recovery of atrial mechanical activity may not occur immediately after successful electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. To examine the time course of recovery of left atrial mechanical function, serial two-dimensional, M-mode and transmitral pulsed Doppler echocardiographic studies were performed in 21 patients after elective direct current cardioversion of atrial fibrillation of 3 weeks' to 24 months' duration (mean 5 months). Over 3 months of follow-up, there were significant increases in both peak A wave velocity (p less than 0.005) and percent atrial contribution to total left ventricular filling (p less than 0.005). Compared with values in a normal control population, peak A wave velocity and percent atrial contribution to total left ventricular filling did not return to normal until 3 weeks after cardioversion in patients who remained in sinus rhythm. Left atrial dimension also decreased over the follow-up period (p less than 0.05) in patients with persistent sinus rhythm. These results may have important implications in guiding the appropriate duration of anticoagulant therapy after cardioversion, and in clinically assessing the hemodynamic benefit of restoring sinus rhythm in an individual patient.
Enhancement of Ultrasonic Images of Defects in 3-D Composite:

Image enhancement and analysis methods are applied to ultrasonic C-scans of stitched, resin transferred molded 3-D composites to make their quality for visual determination of the amount of porosity defect equal to that for 2-D composites con ventionally fabricated from prepreg. The application of these methods is necessary because the 3-D reinforcing fiber architecture, along which the porosity tends to form dur ing fabrication, is also imaged in the ultrasonic c-scans, thus severely limiting the visual determination of the amount of porosity present. Comparisons are made of the C-scan im ages of a stitched panel before and after the application of image enhancement and analysis methods to demonstrate the value of the methods. The importance of the number of shades of gray in the image for visual interpretation of defects and for the application of the enhancement methods is also discussed.
Curved array photoacoustic tomographic system for small animal imaging

We present systematic characterization of a photoacoustic imaging system optimized for rapid, high-resolution tomographic im- aging of small animals. The system is based on a 128-element ultra- sonic transducer array with a 5-MHz center frequency and 80% band- width shaped to a quarter circle of 25 mm radius. A 16-channel data- acquisition module and dedicated channel detection electronics enable capture of a 90-deg field-of-view image in less than 1s and a complete 360-deg scan using sample rotation within 15 s. Measure- ments on cylindrical phantom targets demonstrate a resolution of bet- ter than 200 m and high-sensitivity detection of 580-m blood tub- ing to depths greater than 3c min a turbid medium with reduced scattering coefficient s=7.8 cm 1 . The system is used to systemati- cally investigate the effects of target size, orientation, and geometry on tomographic imaging. As a demonstration of these effects and the system imaging capabilities, we present tomographic photoacoustic images of the brain vasculature of an ex vivo mouse with varying measurement aperture. For the first time, according to our knowledge, resolution of sub-200-m vessels with an overlying turbid medium of greater than 2c mdepth is demonstrated using only intrinsic biologi- cal contrast. © 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. DOI: 10.1117/1.2907157
Normal dopamine transporter binding in dopa responsive dystonia

We report the clinical manifestations of dopa responsive dystonia (DRD) in 2 patients from the same family. The brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) were normal. The dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging with (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 was performed in the 2 probands, 8 patients with young onset Parkinson disease (YOPD) and 16 normal controls. The ratios of (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 brain SPECT in the striatum were 2.40 +/- 0.12 (right) and 2.30 +/- 0.17 (left) in these 2 DRD patients as compared with 1.38 +/- 0.18 (right), 1.41 +/- 0.20 (left) in YOPD patients, and 2.15 +/- 0.35 (right), 2.14 +/- 0.32 (left) in normal controls respectively. A normal DAT uptake was found in DRD suggesting a normal presynaptic nigrostriatal dopaminergic terminal. We conclude that a normal DAT in parkinsonian patients can differentiate DRD from YOPD. In addition, DAT with (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 is a reliable and convenient tool to study the function of the presynaptic dopaminergic axonal terminals.
Design of fast algorithms for projections through matrix decomposition

Projection is a frequently used process in image processing and visualization. In volume graphics, projection is used to render the essential content of a 3D volume onto a 2D image plane. For Radon transform, projection is used to transform the image space into a parameter space. In this paper, we propose a matrix decomposition method called identity-plus- row decomposition for designing fast algorithms for projections. By applying this method, we solve the data redistributed problem due to the irregular data access patterns present in those applications on SIMD mesh- connected computers, developing fast algorithms for volume rendering and Radon transform on SIMD mesh-connected computers.
REASON FOR EMOTION: REINVENTING JUSTICE WITH THEORIES, INNOVATIONS, AND RESEARCH—THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CRIMINOLOGY 2002 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS*

Criminology was born in the age of reason to apply “reason” to justice, tempering the expression of moral indignation with the economics of deterrence. Modern criminology is now poised for reinventing justice around the emotions of victims, offenders, and society. One prime example is restorative justice. Others include wider use of biomedical mental health treatments for offenders, programs to make justice officials more aware of the emotional impact of their words on citizens, and programs to help justice officials manage their own emotions. Research can advance theory and innovations as a basis for a new paradigm of “emotionally intelligent justice.”
How well are nurse practitioners prepared for practice: Results of a 2004 questionnaire study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceived preparedness of nurse practitioners (NPs) for practice after completing their basic NP educational programs and to evaluate NPs’ perceived preparedness in and their perceived importance of select clinical content areas basic to NP education. Data sources: This cross-sectional descriptive study used a written questionnaire consisting of 32 items, two of which contained 25 subitems. Subjects were asked to rate their overall level of preparedness when they completed their NP program and both their level of preparation in and the importance of 25 clinical content areas. The questionnaires were administered to attendees at two large national NP conferences in 2004; a total of 562 questionnaires were completed and used in the analysis. Conclusions: Ten percent of the sample perceived that they were very well prepared for practice as an NP after completing their basic NP education. Fifty-one percent perceived that they were only somewhat or minimally prepared. Current age, years since graduation from an NP program, and age when attending the NP program did not differ significantly for those who felt prepared versus those who did not. For a number of content areas, subjects did not perceive that they were well prepared in the same areas that they perceived were very important. Implications for practice: Our results indicate that formal NP education is not preparing new NPs to feel ready for practice and suggests several areas where NP educational programs need to be strengthened. Practicing NPs are the basis of the NP profession, and their views need to be sought, listened to, and reflected upon as we advance toward expanded preparation at the doctoral level.
Study of the crossover transition of a gas of extended hadrons

Abstract We formulate a simple model for a gas of extended hadrons at zero chemical potential by taking inspiration from the compressible bag model. We show that a crossover transition qualitatively similar to lattice QCD can be reproduced by such a system by including some appropriate additional dynamics. Under certain conditions, at high temperature, the system consists of a finite number of infinitely extended bags, which occupy the entire space. In this situation the system behaves as an ideal gas of quarks and gluons.