cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction Among Musical, Cerebral and Autonomous Rhythms

Several studies have documented beneficial effects of music. There is considerable interest in determining how these effects come about. We have previously shown an overall increase in coherence between EEGs and autonomic variables such as heart rate, blood pressure and respiration when subjects listed to songs. In the present study we determined the coherence among different locations of EEG, heart rate and respiration with envelopes of the songs that the subjects listened to. The data used in this paper were ECG, EEGs (6 locations), finger plethysmograph blood pressure and respiration recorded from 14 healthy subject. To measure synchronization, coherence, i.e. magnitude squared coherence (MSC) was computed. In order to determine coherence of EEGs and songs with other variables with lower frequency content, we used the envelopes of the EEGs and songs, i.e. computed coherences in the low frequency components of these signals. Similar to coherencies between EEG and autonomic rhythms, we observed an overall increase in coherence among different locations of EEG. In addition, different levels of synchronization of heart rate, respiration, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and brain electrical response recorded by surface EEGs, were observed with different type of songs. Our results showed that slow tempo song had the largest impact in making all these variables synchronized to its envelope profile, and when the tempo of song was fast this level of synchronization was significantly smaller. During listening to music, the synchronization, among EEGs was more significant in T3 (with other EEGs), but the synchronization with songs’ envelope profile was more significant in T4. Also, songs with expected similar cognitive effects produced higher synchronization levels of the all measured physiological variables with their envelope profiles. These results show the important role of tempo and cognition of songs in synchronizing different physiological variables with songs’ envelopes and in suggesting interdependencies among multiple cortical areas.
Occupation, injustice, and anti-Black racism in the United States of America

In the summer of 2020, the death of George Floyd – yet another unarmed Black man killed at the hands of police – thrust race and racism to the forefront of public attention in the United States. Ac...
Density-related properties from self-interaction corrected density functional theory calculations

The Perdew-Zunger self-interaction correction (PZ-SIC) removes unphysical electron self-interaction from calculations employing standard density functional approximations. Doing so improves many computed properties, bringing them into better agreement with experimental observations or with results from high-level quantum chemistry calculations. However, while PZ-SIC generally corrects in the right direction relative to the corresponding reference values, in many cases, it over-corrects. For this reason, scaled-down versions of PZ-SIC have been proposed and investigated. These approaches have mostly employed exterior scaling in which SIC correction terms are scaled in the same way at every point in space. Recently, a new local, or interior, scaling SIC method was proposed on non-empirical grounds to restore a property of the exact, but unknown, density functional that is broken in PZ-SIC. In this approach, the scaling at each point depends on the character of the charge density at that point. However, the local scaling can be done in various ways while still restoring the behavior of the exact functional. In this work, we compare and contrast the performance of various interior scaling approaches for addressing over-corrections of calculated molecular dipole moments and atomic polarizabilities and properties that reflect the nature of the electronic charge density.
Latent Profile Analysis of Cognition in a Non-Demented Diverse Cohort: A Focus on Modifiable Cardiovascular and Lifestyle Factors.

Background Cognitively-defined subgroups are well-documented within neurodegeneration. Objective We examined such profiles in diverse non-demented older adults and considered how resulting subgroups relate to modifiable factors associated with neurodegeneration. Methods 121 non-demented (MMSE = 28.62) diverse (46%non-Latino Black, 40%non-Latino White, 15%Latino) community-dwelling adults (age = 67.7 years) completed cognitive, cardiovascular, physical activity, and diet evaluations. Latent profile analyses (LPA) employed six cognitive scores (letter fluency, letter-number sequencing, confrontational naming, 'animal' fluency, list-learning delayed recall, and recognition discriminability) to characterize cognitively-defined subgroups. Differences between resulting subgroups on cardiovascular (composite scores of overall health; specific health components including fasting blood levels) and lifestyle (sedentary behavior; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; Mediterranean diet consumption) factors were examined using ANCOVAs adjusting for relevant confounders. Results Based on sample means across cognitive scores, LPA resulted in the following cognitive subgroups: 1) high-average cognition, 55%non-Latino White and 64%female participants; 2) average cognition, 58%non-Latino Black and 68%male participants; 3) lower memory, 58%non-Latino Black participants; and 4) lower executive functioning, 70%Latinos. The high-average subgroup reported significantly higher Mediterranean diet consumption than the average subgroup (p = 0.001). The lower executive functioning group had higher fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c than all other subgroups (p-values Conclusion LPA revealed two average subgroups reflecting level differences in cognition previously reported between non-Latino White and Black adults, and two lower cognition subgroups in domains similar to those documented in neurodegeneration. These subgroups, and their differences, suggest the importance of considering social determinants of health in cognitive aging and modifiable risk.
Listening, Learning, and Leaning into Pandemic Pedagogy

This article offers a brief account of pedagogical pivots necessitated by the challenges of teaching through the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss two iterations of a class assignment that emphasized l...
Developing a Scalable Platform and Analytics Dashboard for Manual Physical Therapy Practices Using Pressure Sensing Fabric

Current manual therapy pedagogical tools do not enable instructors to objectively assess the precision of hand movements. Methods for capturing the pressure applied to specific regions of the human body are lacking. Instructors of applied manual therapy techniques will benefit from a tool that streamlines their teaching process, thereby enabling their students to be trained accurately and precisely through comparisons of their learned techniques to the instructor’s mastered techniques. This project seeks to accomplish this by providing manual therapy instructors a scalable research platform that models instructor and student manual therapy data provided by a Studio 1 Labs pressure sensing fabric. The combination of the pressure sensing fabric and real-time data visualizations will enable instructors to provide immediate feedback to students to improve the quality of the therapy they provide. This paper will show the evolution of this physical therapy research platform, its development life cycle, current state, plans for future research and development, and a potential implementation of the tool in academic institutions.
Israelite or Moabite? Ethnicity in the book of Ruth

Scholarship on ethnicity in the book of Ruth has taken it as axiomatic that Ruth is transformed (at least partially) into an Israelite by the end of the book. This article argues on narrative groun...
Recent Advances in Functional MRI to Predict Treatment Response for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Early response prediction for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) provides an opportunity for response-tailored treatment management. The goal of this review is to summarize recent advances in applying functional MRI, such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), to predict treatment response for LARC patients, as well as to discuss the associated limitations and future directions. Many recent studies incorporated advanced data analysis methods, such as radiomics and deep learning, to enhance prediction performance. Multi-parametric imaging has also become a trend that utilizes complementary information from each technique. However, there are wide variations in patient enrollment, imaging time points, scan parameters, and treatment response endpoint definitions, which leads to a range of findings among these studies. Moreover, small sample size and lack of independent validation of most studies also weaken conclusions. Functional MRI has been shown as a potential early biomarker for rectal cancer treatment response estimation. To incorporate functional MRI into clinical workflow, future work with large standardized data are warranted.
Sports-Related Subconcussive Head Trauma

There is a growing concern in clinical practice regarding the immediate and long-term effects of multiple and frequent subconcussive blows in athletes participating in full contact sports. The effects of repetitive subconcussive head trauma, occurring in full contact sports, on brain structural, functional, and metabolic integrity has not been sufficiently investigated. It is yet to be determined whether these multiple subconcussive blows induce transient alterations in the brain or long-term deficits. Animal, neuropsychological, biomechanical, neuroimaging, and postmortem studies have all been used to study subconcussive head trauma. However, there is no consistency throughout the literature about whether or not subconcussive impacts have detrimental effects. More recent studies highlighting the prevalence of certain neurological etiologies, like chronic traumatic encephalopathy associated with a history of repetitive concussive and subconcussive head trauma, highlights the need for future research into this area of research.
Thermodynamic implications of the Stiller-Smith Mechanism

The Stiller-Smith mechanism is a new mechanism for the translation of linear motion into rotary motion, and has been considered as an alternative to the conventional slider-crank mechanism in the design of internal combustion engines and piston compressors. Piston motion differs between the two mechanisms, being perfectly sinusoidal for the Stiller-Smith case. Plots of dimensionless volume and volume rate change are presented for one engine cycle. It is argued that the different motion is important when considering rate-based processes such as heat transfer to a cylinder wall and chemical kinetics during combustion. This paper also addresses the fact that a Stiller-Smith engine will be easier to configure for adiabatic operation, with many attendant benefits.
Assessing the Quality of Death and Dying in an Integrated Health Care System in Rural Pennsylvania

Abstract Context With growing emphasis on improving the value of health care, there is increased scrutiny of quality outcomes and high health expenditures during the final months of life. Objectives The purpose of this project is to answer 1) how do next of kin (NOK) perceive the quality of their loved ones' dying and death; 2) are there patient and NOK characteristics that predict lower quality; and 3) are there structural aspects of care associated with lower quality? Methods A mailed survey was administered to a stratified random sample of NOK of Geisinger Health System patients who had died in the past year. The Quality of Death and Dying, the General Anxiety Disorder seven-item scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire eight-item depression scale, and selected questions from the Toolkit of Instruments to Measure End of Life Care were used. Results There were 672 respondents. Significant predictors of Quality of Death and Dying score were number of doctors involved in care (P = 0.0415), location of death (P Conclusion Several findings suggest that factors such as NOK depression and anxiety, prolonged illness, dying in the hospital, receipt of conflicting information, and confusion around the doctor in charge are associated with lower quality of the dying and death experience for NOK. Further investigation is warranted to facilitate high-quality measurement and the use of measurement results to improve care.
Call and Response: Citizen Communication with Congress

Conventional wisdom holds that the citizenry is unlikely to make contact with their members of Congress or other public officials. However, the volume of electronic mail to members of Congress has forced shutdowns of the e-mail service for citizens to contact their representatives. Using new survey data, I examine the means and causes of citizen contact with their members of Congress, including information about use of electronic mail. Preliminary results indicate that a larger proportion than anticipated indicates making contact with their member of Congress, and a more diverse group than the prior literature would predict. As the costs of contact are lowered, it appears that some inequalities in political expression are ameliorated to some degree. This has broader implications for issues of representation, as members of Congress must adjust to a more responsive and active constituency.
CD2-mediated IL-12–dependent signals render human γδ-T cells resistant to mitogen-induced apoptosis, permitting the large-scale ex vivo expansion of functionally distinct lymphocytes: implications for the development of adoptive immunotherapy strategies

The ability of human gamma delta-T cells to mediate a number of in vitro functions, including innate antitumor and antiviral activity, suggests these cells can be exploited in selected examples of adoptive immunotherapy. To date, however, studies to examine such issues on a clinical scale have not been possible, owing in large measure to the difficulty of obtaining sufficient numbers of viable human gamma delta-T cells given their relative infrequency in readily available tissues. Standard methods used to expand human T cells often use a combination of mitogens, such as anti-T-cell receptor antibody OKT3 and interleukin (IL)-2. These stimuli, though promoting the expansion of alpha beta-T cells, usually do not promote the efficient expansion of gamma delta-T cells. CD2-mediated, IL-12-dependent signals that result in the selective expansion of human gamma delta-T cells from cultures of mitogen-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells are identified. It is first established that human gamma delta-T cells are exquisitely sensitive to apoptosis induced by T-cell mitogens OKT3 and IL-2. Next it is shown that the CD2-mediated IL-12-dependent signals, which lead to the expansion of gamma delta-T cells, do so by selectively protecting subsets of human gamma delta-T cells from mitogen-induced apoptosis. Finally, it is demonstrated that apoptosis-resistant gamma delta-T cells are capable of mediating significant antitumor cytotoxicity against a panel of human-derived tumor cell lines in vitro. Both the biologic and the practical implications of induced resistance to apoptosis in gamma delta-T cells are considered and discussed because these findings may play a role in the development of new forms of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. (Blood. 2000;96:3827-3837)
Using geographical information system software and Internet technologies for multidisciplinary cultural education

This work describes a unique multidisciplinary and international project and experience that combines cultural studies with a digital mapping project. The program had three major education objectives. As this experience was an international one, the most fundamental objective was to introduce students to another culture and to develop an understanding of the history of that culture. The second goal was to expose students to geographical information system (GIS) applications and to develop fundamental skills in GIS and in Web page construction. The third was to develop professional interpersonal skills in the areas of multidisciplinary teamwork and oral presentations. To accomplish these objectives, multidisciplinary teams of students used GIS and Web development tools to develop chronological maps of the city of Cordoba, Spain, covering 2000 years of history. The undergraduate students were from the science, engineering, social science, and humanities backgrounds. The specific pedagogical elements of the experience, the results of the mapping project, and a summary of the lessons learned are presented.
Cloning and characterization of R-PTP-kappa, a new member of the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase family with a proteolytically cleaved cellular adhesion molecule-like extracellular region.

Abstract We describe a new member of the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase family, R-PTP-kappa, cDNA cloning predicts that R-PTP-kappa is synthesized from a precursor protein of 1,457 amino acids. Its intracellular domain displays the classical tandemly repeated protein tyrosine phosphatase homology, separated from the transmembrane segment by an uncharacteristically large juxta-membrane region. The extracellular domain of the R-PTP-kappa precursor protein contains an immunoglobulin-like domain and four fibronectin type III-like repeats, preceded by a signal peptide and a region of about 150 amino acids with similarity to the Xenopus A5 antigen, a putative neuronal recognition molecule (S. Takagi, T. Hsrata, K. Agata, M. Mochii, G. Eguchi, and H. Fujisawa, Neuron 7:295-307, 1991). Antibodies directed against the intra- and extracellular domains reveal that the R-PTP-kappa precursor protein undergoes proteolytic processing, following which both cleavage products remain associated. By site-directed mutagenesis, the likely cleavage site was shown to be a consensus sequence for cleavage by the processing endopeptidase furin, located in the fourth fibronectin type III-like repeat. In situ hybridization analysis indicates that expression of R-PTP-kappa in the central nervous system is developmentally regulated, with highest expression seen in actively developing areas and, in the adult, in areas capable of developmental plasticity such as the hippocampal formation and cerebral cortex. The mouse R-PTP-kappa gene maps to chromosome 10, at approximately 21 centimorgans from the centromere.
Reliability issues of MOS and bipolar ICs

Reliability issues affecting MOS and bipolar ICs are reviewed. Hot-carrier-induced degradation of MOS and bipolar circuits are used to illustrate the potential role of reliability CAD tools. Electromigration lifetimes under pulse DC and AC current stressing are longer than previously thought. Oxide breakdown offers a case study for accelerated test modeling, defect statistics, and burn-in optimization. >
Evaluation of a polarimetric attenuation correction algorithm for NASA D3R observations during the IFloodS field campaign

As a joint Earth-observing mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory was launched on February 27th, 2014. The GPM sensors can cover most of the globe, and improve precipitation observations at higher latitude, compared to the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). As an indispensable part of all precipitation satellite missions, Ground Validation (GV) is critical for demonstration and evaluation of space-based precipitation data products. As part of the GV activities, a ground-based Dual-frequency Dual-polarization Doppler Radar (D3R) was developed. D3R is operating at the nominal frequencies of Ku and Ka band to match the operating frequencies of space-based GPM Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR).
Derivative activities and managerial incentives in the banking industry

Abstract Using a sample of 175 publicly traded bank holding companies (BHCs), we find that managerial incentives and external monitoring affect the decision to use derivatives in the banking industry. Managers with incentives that are more closely aligned with the interests of shareholders, as reflected in a high percentage of CEO shareholdings, are less likely to use derivatives when insider holdings exceed 10%. Similarly, when outside directors own substantial equity, the firm is less likely to use derivatives. These results suggest that managers with large equity stakes take advantage of the risk-shifting opportunities of deposit insurance by not hedging. For BHCs with insider holdings below 10%, however, monitoring by outside directors is associated with a greater likelihood of derivative usage. This suggests that monitoring by outside directors may lead to more risk-averse behavior on the part of managers with small equity stakes.
Unrecorded magnetic tape for information interchange (9 track—200 and 800 CPI, NRZI and 1600 CPI, P.E.)

This proposed American National Standard has been accepted for publication by American National Standards Committee X3, Computers and Information Processing. In order that the final version of the proposed standard reflect the largest public consensus, X3 authorized publication of this document to elicit comment and general public reaction, with the understanding that such a working document is an intermediate result in the standardization process and is subject to change, modification, or withdrawal in part or in whole. Comments should be directed to the X3 Secretary, Business Equipment Manufacturers Association, 1828 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036.—C.K.
Enhancement of diffusion-limited vaporization rates by condensation within the thermal boundary layer 2. Comparison of homogeneous nucleation theory with the critical supersaturation model☆

Abstract The validity of the critical supersaturation model (CSM) for predicting mass transfer effects of nonequilibrium fog formation in thermal boundary layers is examined by comparing CSM predictions with those of a more complete application of homogeneous nucleation theory to a simple flow with molecular transport. Expressions for the nucleation kinetics and droplet growth are combined with the steady one-dimensional conservation equations and suitably transformed to allow a digital computer solution of the vaporization of a hot condensed phase into a cold gaseous medium. Using a one dimensional film model of the thermal boundary layer, predictions of boundary layer profiles and the effects of nonequilibrium fog formation are obtained and, as anticipated by the CSM, the gross effect of fog formation is to significantly enhance the steady state vaporization rate. Our numerical calculations for methyl alcohol evaporation/condensation confirm the conceptual and computational utility of the critical supersaturation model for this class of problems, provided critical supersaturation predictions are based on large volumetric nucleation rates. Consistent with our purposes, the present investigation is limited to binary gas mixtures with (i) a Lewis number of unity and (ii) both mixture constituents of equal molecular weight. Since methyl alcohol vapor-air mixtures conform well to these restrictions, and are of interest in both research and technology, illustrative numerical results are given for this system.
Evaluation of EVI1 and EVI1s (Δ324) as potential therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer

Abstract Purpose The MDS1 and EVI1 complex locus (MECOM) at 3q26 gives rise to several alternatively spliced transcripts implicated in leukemic oncogenesis. Overexpression of EVI1 in ovarian cancer has led to a proposed oncogenic role. Our objective was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of EVI1 and EVI1s (also known as Δ324) in ovarian cancer. Methods Expression of EVI1 mRNA and protein isoforms was evaluated in ovarian cancers, normal ovaries, benign ovarian neoplasms, and fallopian tube fimbria. Effects of EVI1 isoform overexpression and knockdown on proliferation, cisplatin-induced apoptosis, and double stranded DNA breaks were investigated. Results EVI1 and EVI1s mRNAs were ubiquitously expressed in ovarian cancers and benign gynecologic tissues examined, with highest expression of both isoforms noted in the cancer samples. The EVI1s to total EVI1 mRNA ratio was uniform among the examined tissues. In contrast, EVI1 protein isoform levels were undetectable in normal ovarian tissues, and highest in serous ovarian cancers. EVI1 protein expression patterns were similar between serous ovarian cancer samples, fallopian tube fimbria, and benign neoplasms. Expression of EVI1 or EVI1s did not increase proliferation in EVI1-null OVCAR8 cells. Total and isoform selective knockdown of EVI1 isoforms in EVI1 expressing ovarian cancer cells had no effect on proliferation, cisplatin-induced apoptosis, or γ-H2AX levels in ovarian cancer cells. Conclusion Our data do not support a role for EVI1 or EVI1s in ovarian cancer cell proliferation or response to DNA damage. Further research is required before EVI1 can be considered an oncogene or a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
Between Rocks and Hard Places Exploring the Impact of Structurational Divergence in the Nursing Workplace

Recurrent interpersonal conflict in organizational settings is common and impedes goal-attainment. Structurational divergence (SD) theory conceptualizes a distinctive negative communication spiral ...
Mobile Touch-Free Interaction for Global Health

Health workers in remote settings are increasingly using mobile devices to assist with a range of medical tasks that may require them to handle potentially infectious biological material, and touching their mobile device in these scenarios is undesirable or potentially harmful. To overcome this challenge, we present Maestro, a software-only gesture detection system that enables touch-free interaction on commodity mobile devices. Maestro uses the built-in, forward-facing camera on the device and computer vision to recognize users' in-air gestures. Our key design criteria are high gesture recognition rates and low power consumption. We describe Maestro's design and implementation and show that the system is able to detect and respond to users' gestures in real-time with acceptable energy consumption and memory overheads. We also evaluate Maestro through a controlled user study that provides insight into the performance of touch-free interaction, finding that participants were able to make gestures quickly and accurately enough to be useful for a variety of motivating global health applications. Finally, we describe the programming effort required to integrate touch-free interaction into several open-source mobile applications so that it can be used on commodity devices without requiring changes to the operating system. Taken together, our findings suggest that Maestro is a simple and practical tool that could allow health workers in remote settings to interact with their devices touch-free in demanding settings.
The recovery and preliminary characterization of X chromosome mutants affecting imaginal discs ofDrosophila melanogaster

A selection method especially designed for isolation of X-linked lethals in Drosophila having defective imaginal discs has generated 26 mutants with high larval viability, but which terminate development in late larval and prepupal stages. The mutants are tentatively classified into four categories, according to the morphological appearance of their imaginal discs in third-instar larvae, and are further characterized with reference to autonomy/nonautonomy and to capacity for in vitro evagination of discs. The four categories are as follows: 1. discs degenerate = extreme reduction of disc tissue (8 mutants). Of 7 mutants tested, all appear to be autonomous. 2. discs small = reduction in size of disc tissue (7 mutants). Of 6 mutants tested, 5 are nonautonomous. However, discs from 4 of the nonautonomous mutants fail to evaginate in vitro . 3. discs large = hypertrophy of disc tissue (1 mutant). The mutant is phenotypically similar to an allele of lethal giant larvae (l(2)gl 4 ) . 4. discs normal = normal appearance of disc tissue (10 mutants). Of 9 mutants tested, 5 are nonautonomous. Discs from one mutant evaginate abnormally in vitro and in vivo .
A technique for calculating limb length inequality and epiphyseodesis timing using the multiplier method and a spreadsheet

Purpose Limb length inequality and epiphyseodesis timing calculations are common in pediatric orthopedics. The multiplier method developed by Paley et al. has significantly simplified the calculation of ultimate limb length. The calculation of limb length inequality has also become very simple for congenital limb length inequalities. However, the equations for limb length inequality from acquired differences and epiphyseodesis timing are not simple, and are prone to arithmetic errors. Methods To limit these errors, we have developed a spreadsheet which finds the appropriate multipliers, solves the equations, and computes the predicted limb length inequality and the appropriate age for an epiphyseodesis. Results This method of using a spreadsheet and the multiplier calculations is quite simple and quick to use in practice. The calculations can be cut and pasted into computerized charts for future reference. Conclusions We recommend this method for clinical use and make it available for public use.
Perceptions of Elementary School Children's Parents Regarding Sexuality Education

This study examined the preferences of parents of elementary school-aged children regarding when sexuality topics should be discussed in school and at home. The survey was mailed to a national random sample of parents of elementary school age children. Overall, 92% of parents believed that sexuality education should be taught in schools. Independent t-tests showed statistically significant differences between mothers and fathers regarding when sexuality education topics should be taught in elementary school as well as when they planned to discuss sexuality topics at home with their child. This study provides valuable information regarding parents’ perceptions about sexuality education.
Agroforestry policy issues and research directions in the US and less developed countries: insights and challenges from recent experience

Efforts to improve the performance of agroforestry systems, and to expand the land area and number of people able to benefit from this integrative approach to agriculture and natural resource management, are constrained throughout the world by non-supportive land use policies. A growing sense of urgency that policy change is needed to enable agroforestry to flourish has contributed during the past two years to an unprecedented level of agroforestry policy assessment and planning activity.
EFFECT OF AUDIOMETRIC CONFIGURATION ON THRESHOLD AND SUPRATHRESHOLD AUDITORY STEADY-STATE RESPONSES

Objective:The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between auditory steady-state response (ASSR) thresholds and behavioral thresholds in hearing-impaired adults with two common audiometric configurations. A second goal was to compare suprathreshold ASSR growth functions in these two
Approximation algorithms for data placement in arbitrary networks

We study approximation algorithms for placing replicated data in arbitrary networks. Consider a network of nodes with individual storage capacities and a metric communication cost function, in which each node periodically issues a request for an object drawn from a collection of uniform-length objects. We consider the problem of placing copies of the objects among the nodes such that the average access cost is minimized. Our main result is a polynomial-time constant-factor approximation algorithm for this placement problem. Our algorithm is based on a careful rounding of a linear programming relaxation of the problem. We also show that the data placement problem is MAXSNP-hard.We extend our approximation result to a generalization of the data placement problem that models additional costs such as the cost of realizing the placement. We also show that when object lengths are non-uniform, a constant-factor approximation is achievable if the capacity at each node in the approximate solution is allowed to exceed that in the optimal solution by the length of the largest object.
Image-guided radiotherapy using surgical clips as fiducial markers after prostatectomy: A report of total setup error, required PTV expansion, and dosimetric implications

Abstract Purpose To determine the total setup error and the required planning target volume (PTV) margin for prostate bed without image guided radiotherapy (IGRT), and to demonstrate the feasibility and dosimetric benefit of IGRT post prostatectomy using surgical clips. Materials and methods Seventeen patients were treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to the prostate bed with a 1 cm PTV margin. Three-dimensional shifts of the surgical clips inside the prostate bed were measured with respect to the isocenter from 364 orthogonal kV image pairs, and the total setup error was calculated to determine the required PTV margin. Alternative IMRT plans using 5 mm or 1 cm PTV expansion were generated and compared for rectal and bladder sparing. Results Surgical clips were reproducibly and reliably identified. The mean (standard deviation) shifts in the left–right (LR), superior–inferior (SI), and anterior–posterior (AP), axes were: −0.1 mm (1.7 mm), 0.6 mm (2.4 mm), and −2.1 mm (2.6 mm), respectively. The required PTV margins were calculated to be 6, 8, and 9 mm in the LR, AP, and SI axis, respectively. A PTV expansion of 5 mm, compared to 1 cm, significantly reduced V65 Gy to the rectum by 10%. Conclusions In the absence of IGRT, a non-uniform PTV margin of 6 mm LR, 8 mm AP, and 9 mm SI should be considered. Use of clips as fiducial markers can decrease the total setup error, enable a smaller PTV margin, and improve rectal sparing.
Effect of a solute addition (Ta) on low temperature self-diffusion processes in gold

Abstract Self-diffusion measurements have been made in polycrystalline Au-1.2 at.% Ta alloy over the temperature range 204°–395.5 °C using 195Au radioactive tracer and r.f. backsputtering techniques for serial sectioning. Self-diffusion coefficients were obtained in the lattice, dislocation networks (subgrains) and large angle grain boundaries and these yielded Arrhenius parameters for the three diffusion processes. A small addition of Ta to Au was found to have profound effects on Au diffusion in the lattice and along grain boundaries.
Hydroxyprolinemia III. The origin of free hydroxyproline in hydroxyprolinemia. Collagen turnover. Evidence for a biosynthetic pathway in man

1. 1. A patient with hydroxyproline oxidase deficiency offered a unique opportunity to investigate the origin of plasma and urine hydroxyproline, since most of the free hydroxyproline produced in this patient is accumulated in blood and excreted unchanged in the urine. Dietary origin had been ruled out previously. 2. 2. The hydroxyproline-containing peptides in the urine were not different from normal. There was no evidence of abnormal collagen breakdown. Results indicate that the free hydroxyproline derives from a normal collagen turnover of about 2 g/day. 3. 3. Trial of a scorbutic diet unexpectedly resulted in a striking increase in excretion of free and peptide-bound hydroxyproline in the urine, and a further increase in plasma hydroxyproline concentration. This is in contrast to the decreased urinary hydroxyproline observed in scorbutic guinea pigs. Administration of ascorbic acid after the period of depletion resulted in further increase in excretion of free hydroxyproline. This suggests that ascorbic acid depletion in man increases turnover of mature collagen or of partially hydroxylated collagen precursors. 4. 4. When labeled glyoxylate was administered, a significant though small amount of urinary free hydroxyproline became labeled, indicating a slight degree of biosynthesis from glyoxylate in man, as has been described in rat livers.
Price effects on the smoking behaviour of adult age groups.

Summary Objectives To provide a cigarette price elasticity reference for adult age groups, and to estimate the smoking behaviour changes in US adults in light of unprecedented state excise tax increases on cigarettes during the 1990s. Study design Individual-level data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for 1993–2000 were merged with state-level cigarette price and tax data. Methods Data were analysed for different age groups using a weighted least squares regression framework. The outcome variables measured were whether an individual was a smoker, whether he/she had tried to quit smoking during the previous year, and how many cigarettes were smoked per day among the total population and among active smokers. Results This study confirmed previous results that younger individuals are more responsive to price changes than older individuals. Although older age groups are less sensitive to price changes, their smoking behaviour changes are still statistically significant. Conclusions This study found that while older individuals are less responsive to price changes than younger individuals, their behavioural changes due to cigarette price increases should not be ignored.
Hopping conduction in uniaxially stressed Si:B near the insulator-metal transition

Using uniaxial stress to tune the critical density near that of the sample, we have studied in detail the low-temperature conductivity of p-type Si:B in the insulating phase very near the metal-insulator transition. For all values of temperature and stress, the conductivity collapses onto a single universal curve, {sigma}(S,T)=AT{sup 1/2}F[T{sup {asterisk}}(S)/T]. For large values of the argument, the scaling function F[T{sup {asterisk}}(S)/T] is well fit by exp[{minus}(T{sup {asterisk}}/T){sup 1/2}], the exponentially activated form associated with variable-range hopping when electron-electron interactions cause a soft Coulomb gap in the density of states at the Fermi energy. The temperature dependence of the prefactor, corresponding to the T dependence of the critical curve, has been determined reliably for this system, and is {proportional_to}T{sup 0.5}. We show explicitly that neglecting the prefactor leads to substantial errors in the determination of the T{sup {asterisk}}{close_quote}s and the critical exponents derived from them. The conductivity is not consistent with Mott variable-range hopping, exp[{minus}(T{sup {asterisk}}/T){sup 1/4}], in the critical region, nor does it obey this form for any range of the parameters. Instead, the conductivity of Si:B is well fit by {sigma}=AT{sup 1/2}hexp[{minus}(T{sup {asterisk}}/T){sup {alpha}}] for smaller argument of the scaling function, with {alpha}=0.31 related to the critical exponentsmore » of the system at the metal-insulator transition. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}« less
Stenotic aortic valves have dysfunctional mechanisms of anti-inflammation: Implications for aortic stenosis

Objective Aortic stenosis is an inflammatory disease, associated with increased tissue levels of interleukin-1 beta. We hypothesized that the antagonist of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, is deficient in aortic valves and that its production by aortic valve interstitial cells is less in cells from stenotic valves than from controls. Methods Valve leaflets from stenotic aortic valves (n = 6) and from valves from hearts explanted at the time of cardiac transplantation (n = 6) were studied by immunostaining for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Aortic valve interstitial cells were isolated from valves, and receptor antagonist levels were determined from cell lysates (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Osteogenic phenotype changes in valve cells stimulated by toll-like receptors 2 and 4 were determined by immunoblotting for bone morphogenetic protein-2 after treatment with and without interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (100 μg/mL). Statistics were by analysis of variance. Results Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist was abundant in nonstenotic aortic valve leaflets and virtually absent in leaflets from stenotic valves. Aortic valve interstitial cells from grossly normal leaflets produced significantly more receptor antagonist at baseline and in response to toll-like receptor 2 and 4 stimulation, than did cells from diseased valves (P Conclusions Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist–mediated mechanisms of anti-inflammation are dysfunctional in stenotic valves. We conclude that such impaired mechanisms of anti-inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis.
The use of large molecular weight compounds to produce local lathyrism in healing wounds.

Circumferential scar surrounding healing tendons often impairs gliding function. Because mechanistic surgical approaches have been disappointing, the fundamental biology of tendon has been reviewed in search of a new approach to control circumferential scar tissue. One such approach, based upon observation that it is not formation of scar but physical properties of scar which results in loss of gliding function, is control of physical properties of newly synthesized collagen by pharmacological means. Induction of controlled lathyrism is an example of how physical properties of newly synthesized collagen can be controlled with pharmacological agents. Lathyrogenic agents provide an effective method of controlling physical properties of scar tissue in a healing wound by inhibiting formation of interand intramolecular cross-links in newly synthesized collagen [9]. Intramuscular administration of Betaaminopropionitrile (BAPN) has been shown to improve gliding function of scarified flexor tendons in the Lindsay chicken foot tendon model [ 1, 2, 61. Reversible but undesirable systemic reactions were observed, however, when BAPN was administered to human beings undergoing flexor tendon repair [6]. Because of systemic reactions which appeared to be hypersensitivity rather than toxicity, clinical investigation of BAPN was temporarily discontinued.
The White Coat Ceremony: turning trust into entitlement.

Purpose: To examine the symbolism of the white coat and the nature of authority as employed in the White Coat Ceremony for incoming first-year medical students. Little has been written concerning the rapid spread, bioethical implications or theoretical underpinnings of this ceremony despite adoption by over 100 medical schools in the United States, international recognition by medical schools in Israel and as the subject of recent editorial opinion in the United Kingdom. Summary: The short white coat can be a highly useful tool allowing patients to identify practitioners in a liminal state. However, by officially sanctioning the white coat as a sign of the psychological contract of professionalism and empathy, the medical establishment may be responding to abrogations of its own authority and is teaching students that they are respected for their sartorial behavior separate from their behavior as individuals. Conclusion: The White Coat Ceremony fosters a sense of entitlement whereby authority based on tit...
Density and Surface Tension Measurements of Imidazolium-, Quaternary Phosphonium-, and Ammonium-Based Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids: Data and Correlations

Presented are experimental densities and surface tensions of imidazolium-, quaternary ammonium-, and phosphonium-based room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) in the temperature range of (298 to 350) K. Densities of the RTILs decrease slightly with temperature in the studied range (298 to 333) K. At 298 K, the densities of the phosphonium-based RTILs ranged from (0.88 to 1.05) g·cm-3, while those of the ammonium-based RTILs ranged from (1.08 to 1.37) g·cm-3. The volume expansivities of phosphonium and ammonium RTILs at 1 atm and 298 K are in the range of (5.5 to 6.5)·10-4 K-1. Surface tension and temperature relationships were established using the van der Waals−Guggenheim equation, σ = Es(1 − T/Tc)n, where n ≈ 1, for the RTILs studied. The Macleod−Sugden−Wright (MSW) equation was used to correlate surface tension with the respective molar volume of the various RTILs. The developed equation can accurately correlate surface tension for this grouping of RTILs with a maximum estimated error of 0.15 % within t...
Echocardiographic evaluation of dilated cardiomyopathy in the human fetus

The diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy was established and subsequently confirmed in 6 of 625 fetuses studied by echocardiography. All 6 had structurally normal hearts. Abnormal findings included reduced fractional shortening index in 5, atrioventricular valve regurgitation in 3, abnormal chamber dimensions in 3 and nonimmune hydrops in 4. In 2 fetuses referred because of a family history of dilated cardiomyopathy in previous siblings, echocardiographic abnormalities were absent on a first examination performed at 20 weeks of gestation. This suggested that a normal fetal echocardiogram in a midtrimester fetus does not always rule out the subsequent development of dilated cardiomyopathy. However, all fetuses followed serially developed some abnormality later in pregnancy. Only 2 neonates survived, 1 of whom required a heart transplant during infancy. Death from cardiac failure occurred in 1 fetus and 3 neonates. This study demonstrates that dilated cardiomyopathy may develop during fetal life and might be diagnosed by echocardiography if serial studies are performed. Dilated cardiomyopathy presenting prenatally appears to have a poor prognosis.
Morphological Awareness Skills of Fourth-Grade African American Students

Purpose We examined the morphological awareness skills of fourth-grade African American children and the association between degree of African American English (AAE) use and performance on written measures of morphological awareness. Additional purposes were to determine whether performance on the morphological awareness tasks (a) was affected by the transparency of morphologically related words and the type of task administered, (b) was associated with other literacy and literacy-related skills, and (c) explained unique variance on these latter abilities. Method Thirty fourth-grade African American children from low-income backgrounds were administered 2 morphological awareness tasks and completed norm-referenced measures of word-level reading, reading comprehension, spelling, phonemic awareness, and receptive vocabulary. Results The degree of AAE use was not associated with students' performance on the morphological awareness tasks. On these tasks, significantly higher scores were obtained on items that...
Romantic partners, friends, friends with benefits, and casual acquaintances as sexual partners.

The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed examination of sexual behavior with different types of partners. A sample of 163 young adults reported on their light nongenital, heavy nongenital, and genital sexual activity with romantic partners, friends, and casual acquaintances. They described their sexual activity with “friends with benefits,” as well as with friends in general. Young adults were most likely to engage in sexual behavior with romantic partners, but sexual behavior also often occurred with some type of nonromantic partner. More young adults engaged in some form of sexual behavior with casual acquaintances than with friends with benefits. The frequencies of sexual behavior, however, were greater with friends with benefits than with friends or casual acquaintances. Interview and questionnaire data revealed that friends with benefits were typically friends, but not necessarily. Nonsexual activities were also less common with friends with benefits than other friends. Taken together, the...