cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excessive daytime sleepiness

Abstract Excessive daytime sleepiness is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), and its prevalence increases with older age and advancing disease. It has many potential contributors, including, but not limited to, nighttime sleep problems, mood disorders, and the dopaminergic medications that are often used to treat PD. However, excessive daytime sleepiness in PD could also be a reflection of more underlying severe neurodegeneration. Treatment strategies include reduction and/or elimination of sedating medications and treatment of comorbid mood and anxiety disorders. Nocturnal sleep disorders also should be investigated for and treated where appropriate. In select patients with PD, wake-promoting agents may be useful.
Contacting domains that segregate lipid from solute transporters in malaria parasites

ABSTRACT While membrane contact sites (MCS) between intracellular organelles are abundant1, and cell-cell junctions are classically defined2, very little is known about the contacts between membranes that delimit extracellular junctions within cells, such as those of chloroplasts and intracellular parasites. The malaria parasite replicates within a unique organelle, the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) but the mechanism(s) are obscure by which the limiting membrane of the PV, the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM), collaborates with the parasite plasma membrane (PPM) to support the transport of proteins, lipids, nutrients, and metabolites between the cytoplasm of the parasite and the cytoplasm of the host erythrocyte (RBC). Here, we demonstrate the existence of multiple micrometer-sized regions of especially close apposition between the PVM and the PPM. To determine if these contact sites are involved in any sort of transport, we localized the PVM nutrient-permeable and protein export channel EXP2, as well as the PPM lipid transporter PfNCR1. We found that EXP2 is excluded from, but PfNCR1 is included within these regions of close apposition. Thus, these two different transport systems handling hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances, respectively, assume complementary and exclusive distributions. This new structural and molecular data assigns a functional significance to a macroscopic membrane domain.
MRI safety considerations during pregnancy

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during pregnancy is on the rise due its ability to provide detailed cross-sectional anatomy without ionizing radiation. Despite the favorable radiation profile, theoretically concerns regarding the safety of MRI and gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) administration have been raised. Currently there are no studies that have shown any attributable harms of MRI during any trimester of pregnancy although prospective and longitudinal studies are lacking. GBCA administration may be associated with a slightly higher rate of neonatal death, although this is based on a single, large cohort study. Understanding the available evidence regarding MRI safety during pregnancy in the context of current society guidelines will help the radiologist serve as a valuable resource to patients and referring providers.
Goodnight Gorilla: Deaf Student American Sign Language Narrative Renditions After Viewing a Model.

The present study used an observational learning framework to investigate changes in non-native signing deaf children's narrative renditions before (Time 1) and after (Time 2) a single viewing of a signing adult's rendition of the same story. The deaf adult model rendered the picture book Goodnight Gorilla in American Sign Language (ASL) with the pages of the book displayed behind her. We analyzed the details children aged 6-13 years included within their narratives and how they rendered those details. Specifically, we compared their use of depicting constructions (DCs), constructed action (CA), simultaneous use of both DCs and CA, and only lexical signs before and after viewing the model. The deaf adult predominantly and equally used CA and constructed actin paired with DCs and rarely used lexical signs alone during her rendition. After watching the adult rendition, children's renditions were longer and they included more details. Children increased their use of DCs, CA, and to a lesser extent, combinations of DCs and CA. However, half of the children never used DCs paired with CA. Suggestions for pairing ASL content standards with viewings of deaf adult sign language models are discussed.
Acute monocytic leukemia as an explanation for "hiatus leukemicus" and "myelo-monocytic leukemia".

The term "hiatus leukemicus" suggests a jump in cell development from an early stage to a late stage with nothing in between, analogous to changing from the appearance of a 10 year old to that of a 60 year old without any intermediate stages. The term "myelo-monocytic leukemia" suggests leukemia involving 2 distinct cell series. Better methods for identification of promonocytes indicate that both of these pictures are usually due to cases of acute monocytic leukemia misdiagnosed as chronic granulocytic leukemia. Monocytic leukemias have a greater tendency than other myelophthisic processes to chase normal immature cells of the granulocytic and erythrocytic series into the blood stream. The result is that blast and pro cells actually belonging to the monocytic series are frequently misinterpreted as myeloblasts and progranulocytes because of the association with normal progranulocytes and myelocytes. These misdiagnoses result in reports of too low a proportion of acute monocytic leukemias among the total leukemic population, account for a belief that leukemia is due to maturation arrest rather than early cell death or shortening of the n-cell life span, and for naming leukemias for cells more mature than the alpha-cell. Only the alpha-cell can maintain the necessary somatic genetic continuity.
A Study of Fatigue Damage in Composites by Nondestructive Testing Techniques

The methodology and experimental results of damage mechanism studies in graphite/epoxy composites using a modified X-ray nondestructive testing technique and continuous acoustic emission monitoring (AEM) method are presented. Fracture specimens were fabricated from Narmco 5208/T300 and Narmco 5208/ Modmor II graphite/epoxy composites with different ply orientations chosen to exhibit fiber failure and linear and nonlinear matrix failures. The specimens with center slits were subjected to tensile ramp loading, constant-amplitude cyclic loading, and an air combat fighter randomized flight-by-flight spectrum loading. During tensile ramp loading, the specimens were monitored by an X-ray "movie" to observe the damage initiation and growth in the areas around the slit tips. An opaque additive was injected in the slit opening to enhance the damage indications. For specimens undergoing cyclic loading and fatigue spectrum loading, periodic X-ray records were made for damage growth monitoring. Continuous AEM was conducted on specimens undergoing tensile ramp loading. The actual fatigue damage initiation and growth within the composite laminates can be observed by the periodic X-ray records of the specimens. These observations were correlated with the AEM results. Three parameters measurable by the AEM system-accumulated counts, amplitude distribution, and frequency spectrum-characterized fatigue damage initiation and growth in different fiber directions. Damage redistribution mechanisms in the fatigue specimens can be observed from the damage growth study.
The Effect of Telehealth Insurance Mandates on Healthcare Utilization and Outcomes

This paper uses panel data techniques to investigate the impact of state mandates to cover telehealth services on private insurance premiums and enrollment, healthcare utilization, and health outcomes. There is evidence that telehealth insurance mandates are associated with an increase in primary care, but no significant changes in overall health outcomes. However, there is evidence of a reduction of secondary care and improvement in health outcomes in non-metropolitan areas. The results provide useful information regarding the potential of telehealth to reduce healthcare costs as well as to reduce disparities in access to health care and in health outcomes.
Treatment response trajectories in a three-week CPT-Based intensive treatment for veterans with PTSD

Response to weekly evidence-based PTSD treatments varies. Little is known about response trajectories and predictors in intensive PTSD treatments. This study sought to identify different trajectories of symptom change among veterans who completed a 3-week CPT-based intensive PTSD treatment program and examined potential predictors of trajectory group membership. Four hundred fifty-two veterans completed the program. Demographics, PTSD and depression severity, negative posttrauma cognitions, and alcohol use were assessed at intake and evaluated as possible predictors of group membership. Group based trajectory modeling was used to determine distinct groups based on PTSD symptom trajectory over the course of treatment, as well as predictors of group membership. Four distinct treatment trajectories were identified: Fast responders (15.3%), steady responders (32.0%), partial responders (38.4%), and minimal responders (14.4%). Fast and steady responders reported substantial symptom reductions and dropped below the "probable PTSD" threshold, with fast responders achieving improvements after just one week of treatment. Partial responders experienced clinically significant reductions but remained above the "probable PTSD" threshold. Minimal responders reported the highest baseline PTSD symptoms and changed the least throughout treatment. Negative posttrauma cognitions as well as self-reported and clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity assessed at intake successfully predicted trajectory membership. The identified trajectories closely resemble findings in the limited existing literature on intensive PTSD treatment trajectories. Results suggest that some individuals may improve with even shorter interventions and others might benefit from additional treatment sessions. Overall, findings support the importance of evaluating individual- and group-level treatment responses.
Can PROMIS measures be used to create subgroups for patients seeking orthopaedic care

Aims Patient-reported outcome measures have become an important part of routine care. The aim of this study was to determine if Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) mea...
The road less traveled—Crossing gender and racial lines in comprehensive mentoring

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the induction process of two professors, with specific emphasis on mentoring, from entering assistant professors through their journey of tenure and promotion, and beyond. A Caucasian male professor with 40 years experience in higher education engaged in the induction process with a Caucasian female and an African-American male over the course of 10 years and 8 years, respectively. The participant researchers sought to determine if a longitudinal induction program that relied heavily upon mentoring yielded successful results, especially in the context of cross-cultural mentoring. The study operationalizes critical reflection centered on participants’ collaborations and shared norms, values, and practices resulting in four stages of induction.
Using Simulation to Estimate Vehicle Emissions in Response to Urban Sprawl within Geauga County, Ohio

Author Institution: Division of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, Penn State University--Altoona College
Collective Action in Organizations: Interaction and Engagement in an Era of Technological Change, by Bruce Bimber, Andrew J. Flanagin, and Cynthia Stohl

Too close a focus on individual technologies is especially limiting in times of rapid change. A theory of e-mail from 1993 or chat rooms from 1995 is hardly adequate to the new dynamism and multipl...
Isoprenylation masks a conformational epitope and enhances trans-dominant inhibitory function of the large hepatitis delta antigen.

Abstract Hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg) consists of two species, large (LHDAg) and small (SHDAg), which are identical in sequence except that the large form contains 19 extra amino acids at the C terminus. The large form is prenylated on the Cxxx motif. The small form can trans activate HDV RNA replication, while the large form inhibits it. To determine the molecular basis for their differential functions, we examined the effects of prenylation on the conformation and function of HDAg. We show that the presence of prenylates masks a conformational epitope which is present in SHDAg but hidden in wild-type LHDAg; this epitope becomes exposed in all of the nonprenylated mutant LHDAgs. Prenylation also plays a major role in conferring the trans-dominant negative inhibitory activity of LHDAg, since the loss of prenylation in LHDAg reduced its inhibitory activity. The primary amino acids of the C-terminal sequence also contributed to the maintenance of the HDAg protein conformation; a prenylated LHDAg mutant with a five-amino-acid deletion had an exposed C-terminal epitope. By examining LHDAg mutants which have deletions of various extents of C-terminal sequence, with or without the prenylation motif, we have further shown that all of the prenylated mutants have much higher levels of trans-dominant suppressor activities than do the corresponding nonprenylated mutants. Surprisingly, a few nonprenylated LHDAg mutants were able to trans activate HDV RNA replication, while all of the prenylated ones lost this function. These results suggest that isoprenylates cause the masking of a conformational epitope of HDAg and that conformational differences between the large and small HDAgs account for the differences in their trans-activating and trans-dominant inhibitory biological activities.
Effect of dietary potassium percent for lactating dairy cows.

Three groups of Holstein cows (four cows per group) past the peak of lactation were fed dietary potassium as percent of dry matter as follows: .45% for 20 days to all groups; .45, .55, and .66% to the respective groups for 12 wk; and .66% to all groups for 19 days. Dietary potassium had no significant effect on milk fat and solids-not-fat contents of milk, milk production, or milk and blood serum cations (potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium). However, body weights were affected. Symptoms common in potassium deficiency were not apparent. Average daily milk production, feed intake, and body weight gains for the 12 wk in kilograms were: 21.9, 15.8, and 15.7; 23.4, 16.4, and 54.5; and 22.8, 19.9, and 92.9 for the .45, .55, and .66% rations. When .66% potassium was fed to groups previously fed .45 and .55% potassium, feed intake increased by 3.6 kg and 1.3 kg but increased only .2 kg in the group previously fed .66%.
Tissue-specific effects of in vivo adenosine receptor blockade on glucose uptake in Zucker rats

Previous studies have shown that treatment of obese Zucker rats with the adenosine receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-(p-acrylic) phenyl xanthine (BWA1433) improves intraperitoneal glucose tolerance. In this study, a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp was performed on obese (fa/fa) and lean (Fa/fa) Zucker rats that had been treated orally with BWA1433 or vehicle for 1 wk. A constant infusion of [3H]glucose was initiated in fasted animals to measure basal whole body glucose kinetics. No differences in glucose concentration or rates of glucose production/disappearance were observed between lean or obese animals with or without BWA1433. During the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, whole body glucose disposal in obese Zucker rats was only 22% of that observed in lean animals. BWA1433 treatment increased glucose disposal by 88% in obese Zucker rats. At the end of the clamp, [14C]-2-deoxyglucose was injected to determine tissue-specific differences in glucose uptake. Gastrocnemius, soleus, heart, and liver of u...
The effect of diethylstilbestrol and diethylstilbestrol dipropionate on postmenopausal vaginitis and symptoms

Abstract 1. 1. One hundred and eleven patients with menopausal symptoms and atrophic vaginitis have been treated with diethylstilbestrol and diethylstilbestrol dipropionate for an average of three months each. 2. 2. The results seem entirely comparable with the natural estrogenic hormones. 3. 3. Nausea and vomiting from oral preparations apparently may be relieved if the material is enteric coated.
Senior design at Washington State University

A description of the senior design program at Washington State University is given. It is a two semester program with lectures from industry on a variety of topics and a substantial design project conducted by teams of 3 - 5 students.
Development of a test program set on the consolidated automated support system for a redesigned AN/APG-73 radar receiver shop Replaceable Assembly

Raytheon Canada Limited (RCL) supports the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) by providing comprehensive, in country maintenance and support of the AN/APG-73 Radar System for the CF-18 Hornet aircraft. As part of a midlife upgrade to the CF-18 aircraft, the RCAF replaced the AN/APG-65 Radar with the AN/APG-73 Radar. The RCAF chose the Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) to support the Radar Receiver (RR). 2 RF CASS stations and 2 sets of radar Operational Test Program Sets (OTPS) were provided to RCL to support the equivalent of second line and depot level support for the RR. The AN/APG-73 RR supplied to the RCAF is a later configuration than the majority of the fielded systems with the United States Navy (USN) and other Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers; specifically there are 2 Shop Replaceable Assemblies (SRA) that were redesigned due to obsolescence. (Note: The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also has this newer configuration.) Although these newer SRAs are form, fit and functional equivalents to the older versions, they have a different board layout and components and require a different test program at the SRA level.
An Overview of Human Brucellosis

Not long ago a farmer in rural Texas presented to a local practitioner complaining of fever, night sweats, fatigue, and back pain. He mentioned that his cattle were under quarantine for Bang's disease (bovine brucellosis) and that he believed he too had the disease. When he was found to be afebrile and to have no other objective signs of disease, his complaints were dismissed as a likely case of the "flu." Several months later he was admitted to a hospital because of vertebral osteomyelitis, and Brucella abortus was isolated from bone tissue. Since brucellosis is now rare in the United States, physicians may be unfamiliar with the clinical manifestations, methods for diagnosis, and options for treatment of this zoonotic infection.
Demonstrating Our Value: Tying Use of Electronic Resources to Academic Success

Dr. Stephanie Havron Rollins, Instruction Coordinator, and Ed Cherry, Systems Librarian at Samford University, presented the results of their research that measured the use of library electronic resources and academic success as defined by a higher grade point average (GPA). They presented statistics on student database log-ins by college, department, and major; student log-ins by level, class, and gender; and student undergraduate GPA by department and class. Research implications were discussed along with future research ideas. Their findings demonstrate to library stakeholders the impact that the library has on student success.
Inverse synthetic aperture radar imagery of a man with a rocket propelled grenade launcher

As the Army moves toward more lightly armored Future Combat System (FCS) vehicles, enemy personnel will present an increasing threat to U.S. soldiers. In particular, they face a very real threat from adversaries using shoulder-launched, rocket propelled grenade (RPG). The Army Research Laboratory has utilized its Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) turntable facility to collect very high resolution, fully polarimetric Ka band radar data at low depression angles of a man holding an RPG. In this paper, we examine the resulting low resolution and high resolution range profiles; and based on the observed radar cross section (RCS) value, we attempt to determine the utility of Ka band radar for detecting enemy personnel carrying RPG launchers.
Insect extramitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase I. Crystallization and physical properties of the enzyme from honeybee (Apis mellifera) thoraces

Extramitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (L-glycerol-3-phosphate: DPN+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.8) was purified and crystallized from honeybee (Apis mellifera) thoraces. The isolation procedure is quite simple, since it consists merely of a series of (NH4)2SO4 precipitations. The crystalline enzyme is homogeneous according to the following criteria: recrystallization to constant specific activity, electrophoresis on cellulose acetate strips, absence of 3 other glycolytic enzyme activities, chromatography on Sephadex G-200, and immunodiffusion on cellulose acetate strips. Sedimentation velocity studies indicate that the native protein readily associates at moderate protein concentrations. The minimum molecular weight as determined by Sephadex G-200 chromatography is around 67 000. Absorbance and fluorescence spectra show that neither DPNH nor adenosine diphosphate ribose is bound to the enzyme. The bee enzyme differs from the crystalline rabbit-muscle enzyme in electrophoretic, ultracentrifugal, and immunological properties.
Murine lung eosinophil activation and chemokine production in allergic airway inflammation

Eosinophils play important roles in asthma and lung infections. Murine models are widely used for assessing the functional significance and mechanistic basis for eosinophil involvements in these diseases. However, little is known about tissue eosinophils in homeostasis. In addition, little data on eosinophil chemokine production during allergic airway inflammation are available. In this study, the properties and functions of homeostatic and activated eosinophils were compared. Eosinophils from normal tissues expressed costimulation and adhesion molecules B7-1, B7-2 and ICAM-1 for Ag presentation but little major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, and were found to be poor stimulators of T-cell proliferation. However, these eosinophils expressed high levels of chemokine mRNA including C10, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1γ, MIP-2, eotaxin and monocyte chemoattractant protein-5 (MCP-5), and produced chemokine proteins. Eosinophil intracellular chemokines decreased rapidly with concomitant surface marker downregulation upon in vitro culturing consistent with piecemeal degranulation. Lung eosinophils from mice with induced allergic airway inflammation exhibited increased chemokines mRNA expression and chemokines protein production and upregulated MHC class II and CD11c expression. They were also found to be the predominant producers of the CCR1 ligands CCL6/C10 and CCL9/MIP-1γ in inflamed lungs. Eosinophil production of C10 and MIP-1γ correlated with the marked influx of CD11bhigh lung dendritic cells during allergic airway inflammation and the high expression of CCR1 on these dendritic cells (DCs). The study provided baseline information on tissue eosinophils, documented the upregulation of activation markers and chemokine production in activated eosinophils, and indicated that eosinophils were a key chemokine-producing cell type in allergic lung inflammation.
Three‐Dimensional Structure of Macronuclei from Paramecium Determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy*

SYNOPSIS. Macronuclei of Paramecium primaurelia were isolated and examined by scanning electron microscopy. These nuclei consisted of a closely packed array of chromatin bodies measuring ∼ 0.2 μm in diameter. We estimated there were ∼ 30,000 such bodies/macronucleus, 20 times more than the number of unit genome equivalents. This suggests that a unit genome is physically shared by several chromatin bodies.
Compression molding of composites: Mold heating system design

In compression molding of composite parts, it is important to minimize the temperature variation in the part during processing for consistent quality. A mold heating analysis and optimization scheme has been developed that allows computation of temperature variation on the mold/part surface, and optimizes the location and power of heaters. The heat transfer coefficients for a given mold can also be theoretically calculated. The validation of the analysis was carried out by two sets of experiments: the first one measured the heat loss from the mold under different boundary conditions, and the second one the temperature variation on mold/part boundary for theoretically determined power histories for a specified temperature history. The experimental data compared well with theory and provide a satisfactory validation of the analysis. The present work provides a useful tool to a design engineer and allows the mold heating system design on a scientific basis, thus eliminating the trial and error approach.
Specific and Generic Objects in Cavell and Thomas Aquinas

Here I establish a parallel between modern epistemology and traditional metaphysics: between the way we know an object, on the one hand, and the way an object's causes cause it to exist, on the other. I show that different efficient causes in the Thomistic system correspond to different questions of knowledge, as analyzed by Stanley Cavell, and that in particular the question the Cavellian skeptic asks corresponds to God's causation in creation. As I have explained in detail elsewhere, and discuss briefly here, this parallel represents far more than a formal analogy between a series of issues in epistemology and a series of issues in metaphysics. It helps to explain, in fact, why modern philosophers (e.g., Husserl) were ultimately driven to put the human ego in the place of God, as creating (or “positing”) the objects of its knowledge, thereby denying the very distinction between epistemology and ontology.
The Effects of Caffeine Withdrawal on Cognitive P300 Auditory and Visual Evoked Potentials

Auditory and visual P300 cognitive evoked potentials were obtained in 13 individuals who regularly consumed caffeine prior to and during a 4 day period of abstinence from caffeine. During the period of caffeine abstinence auditory P300 evoked potentials showed significant decreases in amplitude measures but no significant changes in latency, while the visual P300 evoked potentials showed significant latency decreases but no significant changes in amplitude. The reason for these opposite effects is unclear and further research in this area is needed.
Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes on beef tissue by application of organic acids immobilized in a calcium alginate gel.

Organic acids added to calcium alginate gels and immobilized on lean beef tissue inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) reduced the population significantly more than did acid treatment alone. Lactic acid (1.7% v/v) immobilized in alginate reduced counts by 1.3 log10 units vs 0.03 log unit decrease from the acid treatment alone. Acetic acid (2% v/v) reduced counts 1.5 and 0.25 log units, respectively. Over 7 days, Lm proliferated in samples without acid and/or alginate treatment. Differential counts on selective and non-selective agars indicated sublethal cellular injury occurred. Alginate coatings did not enhance acid inhibition on fat tissue. Immobilized agents may have potential for raw meat decontamination.
Embryology of the facial nerve and its clinical applications

Although many studies have investigated facial nerve development, most have been limited by available specimens and have not provided a comprehensive description of the development of this important structure. Even the best and most comprehensive articles on this subject have not systematically integrated the descriptions of facial nerve embryology with a summary of the development of other otologic structures. This study describes the parallel development of the facial nerve and ear, emphasizing practical applications for the otologic surgeon. The validity of these predictions has been tested through surgical procedures on patients with malformed ears.
Seasonal and spatial variation of trace elements and metals in quasi-ultrafine (PM0.25) particles in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and characterization of their sources

Year-long sampling campaign of quasi-ultrafine particles (PM0.25) was conducted at 10 distinct locations across the Los Angeles south coast air basin and concentrations of trace elements and metals were quantified at each site using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry. In order to characterize sources of trace elements and metals, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the dataset. The major sources were identified as road dust (influenced by vehicular emissions as well as re-suspended soil), vehicular abrasion, residual oil combustion, cadmium sources and metal plating. These sources altogether accounted for approximately 85% of the total variance of quasi-ultrafine elemental content. The concentrations of elements originating from source and urban locations generally displayed a decline as we proceeded from the coast to the inland. Occasional concentration peaks in the rural receptor sites were also observed, driven by the dominant westerly/southwesterly wind transporting the particles to the receptor areas.
Application of a Simplex Process Model to Six Years of Cognitive Development in Four Demographic Groups

A simplex process model of the cross-lagged cor relation paradigm was applied to 16 tests ad ministered to samples of black and white males and black and white females in Grades 5, 7, 9, and 11. Listening, a measure of aural comprehension, con sistently anticipated individual differences on an in tellectual composite in all four groups. The other achievement test of the STEP series anticipated in dividual differences on the so-called aptitude tests of SCAT, which in turn anticipated individual dif ferences on the narrow information scores obtained from the Test of General Information (TGI). This model may be more powerful in revealing lags than the traditional methods of analyzing cross-lagged differences in longitudinal data. The model does not require stationarity and can produce a meaningful outcome in its absence.
Corrections to the Variational Ground State of a Charged-Boson Gas

The variational ground-state energy of a charged-boson gas, obtained previously for an intermediate density range using a Bijl-Dingle-Jastrow (BDJ) type of correlated trial wave function, is improved in two steps: (i) application of the paired-phonon analysis for optimization of the variational description of the ground state in the BDJ function space, using the hypernetted-chain equation for the correlation function, and (ii) use of the improved liquid-structure function to evaluate the second-order perturbation correction generated by three-phonon components. The paired-phonon analysis yields quite small corrections to the ground-state properties including the energy and the liquid-structure function, and the perturbation corrections to the energy are also found to be very small. It is demonstrated that in the high-density limit the procedure yields the ground-state energy exact through second order in the density expansion.
Voter Decision Making 1972 and 1974

A panel study of decision making by Ohio voters found differences between the 1972 and 1974 general election campaigns in terms of attributes the voters used to choose candidates, when they chose, and how difficult their choices were to make. The study explored relations between.these differences and found variations between the campaigns in voters' attention to and discussion of the campaigns, and in their uses of mass media. Difficulty of decision making in particular was highly associated with certain campaign information-seeking behaviors, suggesting that mass media and other political information sources may be used in specific ways by voters experiencing difficulty. Garrett J. O'Keefe, Jr. is Associate Professor, Harold Mendelsohn is Professor and Chairman, and Jenny Liu is Research Assistant in the Department of Mass Communications, University of Denver. The authors thank Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., for the open and unrestrictive funding of the research reported here. POQ 40 (1976) 320-330 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.131 on Sat, 15 Oct 2016 04:32:45 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms VOTER DECISION MAKING 321 In 1972 a project was initiated to investigate the sociopsychological, interpersonal, and mass communications processes involved in voter decision making prior to the 1972 presidential election (Mendelsohn and O'Keefe, 1976). The conceptual approach taken was, again, essentially in the uses-gratifications model in that primary consideration was given to examining sequences of precampaign voter orientations, voter campaign behaviors and potential effects and consequences of both orientations and behaviors. The method involved panel surveys of voters in Summit County, Ohio, over the course of the campaign. A subsequent study was conducted focusing upon decision making among these same voters in the 1974 gubernatorial and senatorial elections in Ohio. This article attempts to trace certain key aspects of voter decision making among those respondents interviewed in both 1972 and 1974, particularly as related to difficulty of decision, time of decision, and characteristics of mass and interpersonal communication behavior.
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors reduce the risk of perioperative stroke and mortality after carotid endarterectomy

Objective There is increasing evidence that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) reduce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events through anti-inflammatory, plaque stabilization, and neuroprotective effects independent of lipid lowering. This study was designed to investigate whether statin use reduces the incidence of perioperative stroke and mortality among patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods All patients undergoing CEA from 1994 to 2004 at a large academic medical center were retrospectively reviewed. The independent association of statin use and perioperative morbidity was assessed via multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results CEA was performed by 13 surgeons on 1566 patients (987 men and 579 women; mean age, 72 ± 10 years), including 1440 (92%) isolated and 126 (8%) combined CEA/coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. The indication for CEA was symptomatic disease in 660 (42%) cases. Six hundred fifty-seven (42%) patients received a statin medication for at least 1 week before surgery. Statin use was associated with a reduction in perioperative strokes (1.2% vs 4.5%; P P P P P P Conclusions These data suggest that perioperative statin use may reduce the incidence of cerebrovascular events and mortality among patients undergoing CEA.
Atmospheric ion wakes of Venus and Mars in the solar wind

Abstract A model has been developed for the currents induced in the ionospheres of Venus and Mars by the flowing magnetized solar wind in a previous paper (Cloutier and Daniell, 1973). The altitudes of the ionopauses on both planets, determined from the electrodynamical models of the previous paper, are used here to calculate the total rates of atmospheric mass loss to the solar wind for Venus and Mars. These loss rates are compared to the rates calculated by Michel (1971) based upon the limit of mass loading of the solar wind flow determined from hydrodynamic constraints. The distributions of planetary ions in the downstream wakes of Venus and Mars are calculated, and the interpretation of ion spectrometer measurements from close planetary encounters is discussed.
Pancreatic beta cell function following liraglutide-augmented weight loss in individuals with prediabetes: analysis of a randomised, placebo-controlled study

Aims/hypothesis Liraglutide can modulate insulin secretion by directly stimulating beta cells or indirectly through weight loss and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Recently, we showed that liraglutide treatment in overweight individuals with prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance) led to greater weight loss (−7.7% vs −3.9%) and improvement in insulin resistance compared with placebo. The current study evaluates the effects on beta cell function of weight loss augmented by liraglutide compared with weight loss alone.
Genetic moderation of child maltreatment effects on depression and internalizing symptoms by serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), norepinephrine transporter (NET), and corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) genes in African American children

Genetic moderation of the effects of child maltreatment on depression and internalizing symptoms was investigated in a sample of low-income maltreated and nonmaltreated African American children (N = 1,096). Lifetime child maltreatment experiences were independently coded from Child Protective Services records and maternal report. Child depression and internalizing problems were assessed in the context of a summer research camp by self-report on the Children's Depression Inventory and adult counselor report on the Teacher Report Form. DNA was obtained from buccal cell or saliva samples and genotyped for polymorphisms of the following genes: serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), norepinephrine transporter, and corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1. Analyses of covariance with age and gender as covariates were conducted, with maltreatment status and respective polymorphism as main effects and their Gene × Environment (G × E) interactions. Maltreatment consistently was associated with higher Children's Depression Inventory and Teacher Report Form symptoms. The results for child self-report symptoms indicated a G × E interaction for BDNF and maltreatment. In addition, BDNF and triallelic 5-HTTLPR interacted with child maltreatment in a G × G × E interaction. Analyses for counselor report of child anxiety/depression symptoms on the Teacher Report Form indicated moderation of child maltreatment effects by triallelic 5-HTTLPR. These effects were elaborated based on variation in developmental timing of maltreatment experiences. Norepinephrine transporter was found to further moderate the G × E interaction of 5-HTTLPR and maltreatment status, revealing a G × G × E interaction. This G × G × E was extended by consideration of variation in maltreatment subtype experiences. Finally, G × G × E effects were observed for the co-action of BDNF and the corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 haplotype. The findings illustrate the variable influence of specific genotypes in G × E interactions based on variation in maltreatment experiences and the importance of a multigenic approach for understanding influences on depression and internalizing symptoms among African American children.
The impact of Korean television drama viewership on the social perceptions of single life and having fewer children in married life

The purpose of this study was twofold. On the ground of Gerbner's cultivation theory, it examined the effect of South Korean drama consumption on the perceived prevalence of single life and having fewer children in married life. It also tested the causality of cultivation effects through a priming methodology. Results indicated that the perceived prevalence of having fewer children in married life was significantly affected by exposure to dramas which positively feature single life and having fewer children in married life on television. The findings provide public health policy-makers and communication campaigners with valuable theoretical relationships, as well as their practical implications.
Formation of silicon nanoparticles and web-like aggregates by femtosecond laser ablation in a background gas

We show that the mechanism of nanoparticle formation during femtosecond laser ablation of silicon is affected by the presence of a background gas. Femtosecond laser ablation of silicon in a H2 or H2S background gas yields a mixture of crystalline and amorphous nanoparticles. The crystalline nanoparticles form via a thermal mechanism of nucleation and growth. The amorphous material has smaller features and forms at a higher cooling rate than the crystalline nanoparticles. The background gas also results in the suspension of plume material in the gas for extended periods, resulting in the formation (on a thin film carbon substrate) of unusual aggregated structures including nanoscale webs that span tears in the film. The presence of a background gas provides additional control of the structure and composition of the nanoparticles during short pulse laser ablation.
Trends in Transnational Terrorism and Implications for U.S. National Security and U.S. Terrorism Risk Insurance Act

The unprecedented losses brought about by the attacks of 11 September 2001 have cast the issue of terrorism risk insurance into sharp relief. In particular, it has raised questions as to whether attacks on this scale are an insurable risk and the extent to which the private insurance industry is able and/or willing to price such risks independent of a Federal safety net. Although the Bush administration has committed to renew the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) to offset the human and materiel costs that might result from future cataclysmic terrorist strikes taking place on U.S. soil, it is not apparent that this legislative framework is relevant to the type of extremist contingencies that the United States is likely to face over the short-to-medium term. Any long-term solution to providing insurance in America will necessarily need to go beyond TRIA's existing framework by dropping the “foreign interest” designation for certified attacks; including some sort of supplemental program that includes mand...
Gaming, Gender, and Time: Who Makes Time to Play?

This study of 276 US undergraduate students from a large Midwestern university provides the first research evidence of a relationship between leisure time availability and how much digital games are played. College students with less free time were less likely to spend time playing games. The findings suggest one reason women play fewer games than men is because they are required to fulfill more obligatory activities, leaving them less available leisure time, which in turn makes them less likely to “make” time for games. It was found that not only do women report having less free time than men, but their free time is available in smaller chunks, and they play digital games for shorter periods of time than men.
The handbook of groundwater engineering

From an engineering perspective, this book provides a practical treatment of groundwater flow; substance transport, well construction, groundwater production, site characterization, and remediation of groundwater pollution.
Family and Religious Characteristics' Influence on Delinquency Trajectories from Adolescence to Young Adulthood.

This study takes a life-course approach to examine whether family and religious characteristics influence individual-level delinquency trajectories from early adolescence through young adulthood. Based on data from the NLSY79, results suggest that residing with two parents deters youths from becoming delinquent and that supportive parenting practices reduce their likelihood of becoming involved in delinquent behavior early in adolescence. There is also evidence that family and religion interact to predict delinquency trajectories. Religion enhances the effect of parental affection in deterring delinquent behavior and mitigates the increased risk of high levels of delinquent behavior among youths in single-parent families. Moreover, the findings indicate that delinquency trajectories are not immutable; family transitions are associated with increases in delinquency, but religious participation throughout adolescence and marriage are associated with declines in delinquent behavior. Overall, results suggest ...
Alpha-plutonium's Grüneisen parameter.

Reported Gr?neisen parameters ? of alpha-plutonium range from 3.0 to 9.6, which is remarkable because typical Gr?neisen parameter uncertainty seldom exceeds ? 0.5. Our six new estimates obtained by different methods range from 3.2 to 9.6. The new estimates arise from Gr?neisen's rule, from Einstein model and Debye model fits to low-temperature ?V/V, from the bulk modulus temperature dependence, from the zero-point-energy contribution to the bulk modulus, and from another Gr?neisen relationship whereby ? is estimated from only the bulk modulus and volume changes with temperature (or pressure). We disregard several high estimates because of the itinerant?localized 5f-electron changes during temperature changes and pressure changes. Considering all these estimates, for alpha-plutonium, we recommend ? = 3.7 ? 0.4, slightly high compared with values for all elemental metals.
Measurement of ionization rates of Ti IX, Ne VI, Ne VII, and O VI

The effective ionization rates of Ti IX, Ne VI, Ne VII, and O VI have been measured with the use of the plasma spectroscopy method in a theta pinch discharge at an electron temperature (50--60 eV) much below their ionization threshold and at an electron density of (approx. =2--3) x 10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/. A theoretical analysis of the effective ionization rates showed that excitation ionization is a major contributing process. Theoretical values are in reasonable agreement with experiment.
Orthogonal polynomials on the hexagon

Least-square approximation by polynomials, with respect to area measure on the regular hexagon, is useful in the construction and analysis of hexagonal optical elements. Notably the Keck Ten-Meter Telescope will utilize a main mirror composed of thirty-six hexagonal segments. By use of the representation theory of the symmetry group of the hexagon a method for constructing a family of orthogonal polynomials is derived. The computations can be carried out in rational (exact) arithmetic, and an appendix lists the polynomials and orthogonal expansions of monomials up to degree six.
Probabilistic power system security analysis considering protection failures

This paper proposes a method of probabilistic security analysis of power systems including protection system failures. Protection system failure is the main cause of cascading outages. A protection system reliability model including two major protection failure modes is adopted to demonstrate the effects of different protection failure modes on power system reliability. The mechanism and scheme of protection system have been analyzed for their contribution to cascading outages as well as system stability after a fault occurs. All contingencies and responses in the power system are depicted in their inherent stochastic manner. Therefore, all simulations in this paper contain the features of a real power system. Non‐sequential Monte Carlo simulation approach is used to implement the stochastic properties of component contingencies and protection system failures. The WSCC‐9 bus system is used as the security test system. The security index “probability of stability” is calculated to quantify the vulnerability of a power system under cascading outages.
Vibrational anomalies are not generally due to fractal geometry: Comments on proteins.

Deviations in a $d$-dimensional Euclidean connected lattice of the spectral number (cumulative) of vibrational states from the frequently generalized formula $N(\ensuremath{\omega})\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{d}$, i.e., density $\ensuremath{\rho}(\ensuremath{\omega})\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{d\ensuremath{-}1}$, are common at very low frequency in many materials (e.g., crystalline), and are not related to disorder or fractal connectivity. These anomalies have been shown to be due to strong anisotropy, or to noncentral molecular-type forces, or both. The apparent spectral densities seen in globular and sheet proteins are compatible with conventional theoretical models dominated by molecular bond-bending or torsional forces.