cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of capillary chromatography ion trap-mass spectrometry for identification of gel-separated proteins

The current paradigm for protein identification using mass spectrometric derived peptide-mass and fragment-ion data employs computer algorithms which match uninterpreted or partially interpreted fragment-ion data to sequence databases, both protein and translated nucleotide sequence databases. Nucleotide sequence databases continue to grow at a rapid rate for some species, providing an unsurpassed resource for protein identification in those species. Ion-trap mass spectrometers with their ability to rapidly generate fragment-ion spectra in a data-dependent manner with high sensitivity and accuracy has led to their increased use for protein identification. We have investigated various parameters on a commercial ion trap-mass spectrometer to enhance our ability to identify peptides separated by capillary reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled on-line to the mass spectrometer. By systematically evaluating the standard parameters (ion injection time and number of microscans) together with selection of multiple ions from the full mass range, improved tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectra were generated, facilitating identification of proteins at a low pmol level. Application of this technology to the identification of a standard protein and an unknown from an affinity-enriched mixture are shown.
Design and analysis of algorithms reconsidered

The paper elucidates two views (models) of algorithmic problem solving. The first one is static; it is based on the identification of several principal dimensions of algorithmic problem solving. The second one is dynamic, i.e., it catalogs main steps in the process of solving a problem with a computer. The models are used to identify several important issues in teaching design and analysis of algorithms and to suggest ways of rectifying the shortcomings identified.
A Theoretical Study of SN2′ Reactions of Allylic Halides: Role of Ion Pairs

Various disparate experimental results are explained by the hypothesis that reactions of anionic nucleophiles with allylic halides are generally SN2. The SN2′ reactions that do occur proceed generally with anti stereochemistry. Reactions with ion pair nucleophiles occur preferentially as SN2′ reactions with syn stereochemistry. This hypothesis is consistent with a variety of computations at the HF, B3LYP, mPW1PW91 and MP2 levels with the 6-31+G(d) basis set of reactions of Li and Na fluoride and chloride with allyl halides and 4-halo-2-pentenes. Solvation is considered by a combination of coordination of dimethyl ether to the lithium and sodium cations and “dielectric solvation” with a polarized continuum model.
Seniors' self-reported multimorbidity captured biopsychosocial factors not incorporated into two other data-based morbidity measures.

Abstract Objective To explore the constructs underlying a self-report assessment of multimorbidity. Study Design and Setting We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 352 HMO members aged 65 years or more with, at a minimum, diabetes, depression, and osteoarthritis. We assessed self-reported ‘disease burden' (a severity-adjusted count of conditions) as a function of biopsychosocial factors, two data-based comorbidity indices, and demographic variables. Results In multivariate regression, age, ‘compound effects of conditions' (treatments and symptoms interfering with each other), self-efficacy, financial constraints, and physical functioning were significantly ( p ≤0.05) associated with disease burden. An ICD-9-based morbidity index did not significantly contribute to disease burden, and a pharmacy-data-based morbidity index was minimally significant. Conclusion This measure of self-reported disease burden represents an amalgamation of functional capabilities, social considerations, and medical conditions that are not captured by two administrative data-based measures of morbidity. This suggests that (a) self-reported descriptions of multimorbidity incorporate biopsychosocial constructs that reflect the perceived burden of multimorbidity, (b) a simple count of diagnoses should be supplemented by an assessment of activity limitations imposed by these conditions, and (c) choice of the morbidity measurement instrument should be based on the outcome of interest rather than on the most convenient method of measurement.
Use of brain electrical activity to quantify traumatic brain injury in the emergency department

Primary objective: To validate a QEEG algorithm on traumatic brain injury in an Emergency Department (ED) setting.Methods and procedures: EEG data were collected from 105 patients with head injury (53 CT+ and 52 CT−) and 50 ED controls. Ten minutes of eyes closed resting EEG was collected from five frontal locations. A discriminant index of the probability of belonging to the TBI CT+ group was computed. Analysis of variance was computed comparing this index across the three patient groups. Using ROC curves, the p < 0.05 confidence level was determined to compute sensitivity and specificity for the TBI CT+ population.Results: CT+ patients had a mean TBI discriminant index of 80.4, CT− patients 38.9 and controls 24.5; F = 70.2, p < 0.0001. Sensitivity was 92.45% for the CT+ group and specificity was 90.00% for the control group.Conclusions: The TBI discriminant index appears to be a sensitive index of brain function. It may be used to suggest whether or not a patient presenting with altered mental status re...
Interpretive Performance Prediction for Parallel Application Development

Application software development for high-performance parallel computing (HPC) is a non trivial process; its complexity can be primarily attributed to the increased degrees of freedom that have to be resolved and tuned in such an environment. Performance prediction tools enable a developer to evaluate available design alternatives and can assist in HPC application software development. In this paper we first present a novel “interpretive” approach for accurate and cost-effective performance prediction. The approach has been used to develop an interpretive HPF/Fortran 90D application performance prediction framework. The accuracy and usability of the performance prediction framework are experimentally validated. We then outline the stages typically encountered during application software development for HPC and highlight the significance and requirements of a performance prediction tool at relevant stages. Numerical results using benchmarking kernels and application codes are presented to demonstrate the application of the interpretive performance prediction framework at different stages of the HPC application software development process.
Cephalopod-inspired design of electro-mechano-chemically responsive elastomers for on-demand fluorescent patterning

Cephalopods can display dazzling patterns of colours by selectively contracting muscles to reversibly activate chromatophores – pigment-containing cells under their skins. Inspired by this novel colouring strategy found in nature, we design an electro-mechano-chemically responsive elastomer system that can exhibit a wide variety of fluorescent patterns under the control of electric fields. We covalently couple a stretchable elastomer with mechanochromic molecules, which emit strong fluorescent signals if sufficiently deformed. We then use electric fields to induce various patterns of large deformation on the elastomer surface, which displays versatile fluorescent patterns including lines, circles and letters on demand. Theoretical models are further constructed to predict the electrically induced fluorescent patterns and to guide the design of this class of elastomers and devices. The material and method open promising avenues for creating flexible devices in soft/wet environments that combine deformation, colorimetric and fluorescent response with topological and chemical changes in response to a single remote signal.
North slope missile testing range: a role playing approach to photoinstrumentation education

The end of the cold war and the drastic downsizing of missile research along with the steady retirement of personnel versed in the technical aspects of missile performance evaluation through photographic processes have created a situation where the number of qualified individuals to provide such services is precariously low and where the technology itself is being forgotten. At the Imaging and Photographic Technology Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology we are making a small effort to teach introductory concepts often taken directly from imaging technologies associated with missile range photography. These technologies involve near-miss analysis and basic photogrammetry, streak photography for measurements of velocity, acceleration and event duration, shadowgraph and schlieren imaging, high speed flash photography of explosive events, etc. One of the methods by which a healthy dose of respect for traditional technology is taught is by setting up a mock missile range in the Department's High Speed laboratory. This project includes a missile firing control station, a photography section, a missile assembly area and other interdependent activities. Students build their own rockets, are taught the fundamental principles related to synchroballistic photography, they become range 'officers' and are never in charge of launching their own rocket and acquiring their own data but have to depend on their classmates to perform their assigned roles without error. Eventually the students then analyze the film data and report on the performance characteristics of their missiles. It is the purpose of this paper to share with professional technologists one project that is part of the Imaging and Photographic Technology curriculum at RIT designed to help preserve the technologies which provide the foundation upon which SPIE itself was founded.
Negative Peer Involvement in Multisystemic Therapy for the Treatment of Youth Problem Behavior: Exploring Outcome and Process Variables in “Real-World” Practice

Associating with a negative peer group is related to involvement in problem behavior, yet very little research has considered the role of negative peer group affiliations in the context of “real-world” community-based treatments for problem behavior. This study examined the effects of negative peer involvement on case closure status and treatment characteristics in a large sample (N = 1,341) of adolescents (M age = 15.3 years, SD = 1.5 years) enrolled in Multisystemic Therapy services. Data were drawn from the clinical records of a nonprofit youth and family services provider. Findings suggest that negative peer involvement is significantly related to treatment failure, particularly when negative peer involvement is comprised of gang affiliation.
Some observations on the contributions of local languages to linguistic science

Abstract Much can be learned about the human linguistic faculty through the study of a a single natural language, or through the study of one linguistic family. Fundamental properties of Universal Grammar have been brought to light through the study of a few Indo-European languages, for example. But the simple exercise of comparing an imaginary world of just one language, or one language family, with the existing world of some 6,000 languages makes it clear that linguistic diversity is a necessary condition for an understanding of both the truly elemental principles of human linguistic knowledge and the full range of possibilities permitted by them. The grammatical systems of ‘local’ languages have been, and continue to be, crucial to the discipline. Examples from Hopi (North American) and Lardil (Australian) illustrate the thesis that linguistic diversity is necessary to understand even the linguistic features and principles involved in phenomena of an apparently accessible character — i.e., grammatical number and affixal concord. Syntactic examples from Navajo (North American) and Misumalpan (Central American) exemplify the role which (apparent) counterexamples can play in compelling researchers to continue to press for deeper understanding of grammatical systems.
Interstellar molecule reactions

Considerable progress has been made during the past five years toward a quantitative understanding of the formation and destruction processes for interstellar molecules. Two areas have been most successful---investigations of the formation process for molecular hydrogen on the surfaces of dust grains and studies of reactions involving positive ions in the gas. Laboratory measurements for ion-molecule reaction rates have provided strong support for the latter. Extensive studies at ultraviolet wavelengths from the Copernicus satellite make possible detailed comparisons between predictions and observations for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and other species in the diffuse interstellar gas. These confirm that a hydrogen atom is converted into an ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ molecule at approximately every collision with an interstellar dust grain. In the more dense interstellar gas, observations with radio telescopes provide vast data on complex molecules and have recently identified a number of reactive intermediate species---HC${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$, HNC, CCH---whose presence strongly supports the proposed reaction processes. The quite recent development of laboratory methods to measure the microwave frequencies of reactive molecules and molecular ions has been an essential contribution to these identifications. Observed fractionation of (deuterium/hydrogen) and possibly (carbon-13/carbon-12) in certain interstellar molecules provide additional challenges and information for studies of reactions. Although there is semiquantitative agreement between predictions and observed abundances for a wide range of small molecular species, the tests are sufficiently precise in only a few cases to reach reasonably definitive conclusions. To a large degree this is due to poor knowledge of the physical conditions in the gas where the molecules are located. Certain laboratory data are needed---especially, photodissociation cross sections and radiative lifetimes in the ultraviolet, as well as some charge-transfer and reaction rate coefficients under low temperature/density conditions. Information on surface reactions applicable to the astrophysical situation is also desirable. At present the chief problems for interstellar molecule reactions are understanding the formation of larger molecules (larger than triatomic), and the role of surface reactions on dust grains for molecules other than ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$. A lengthy introduction to the interstellar medium is provided for the nonastronomer. The status of information on the basic surface and gas phase processes is reviewed. Finally, the reaction schemes which seem to be of most importance for the major species of small interstellar molecules are discussed and quantitatively compared with observations when possible. Reactions that produce isotope fractionation are treated in some detail.
WANalytics: Geo-Distributed Analytics for a Data Intensive World

Many large organizations collect massive volumes of data each day in a geographically distributed fashion, at data centers around the globe. Despite their geographically diverse origin the data must be processed and analyzed as a whole to extract insight. We call the problem of supporting large-scale geo-distributed analytics Wide-Area Big Data (WABD). To the best of our knowledge, WABD is currently addressed by copying all the data to a central data center where the analytics are run. This approach consumes expensive cross-data center bandwidth and is incompatible with data sovereignty restrictions that are starting to take shape. We instead propose WANalytics, a system that solves the WABD problem by orchestrating distributed query execution and adjusting data replication across data centers in order to minimize bandwidth usage, while respecting sovereignty requirements. WANalytics achieves an up to 360x reduction in data transfer cost when compared to the centralized approach on both real Microsoft production workloads and standard synthetic benchmarks, including TPC-CH and Berkeley Big-Data. In this demonstration, attendees will interact with a live geo-scale multi-data center deployment of WANalytics, allowing them to experience the data transfer reduction our system achieves, and to explore how it dynamically adapts execution strategy in response to changes in the workload and environment.
Analysis of Static and Dynamic Scenarios of MIMO Systems for Physical Layer Modeling for Vehicular Communication

In this paper, the physical layer for a multi-antenna vehicular communication channel has been investigated considering the effects of antenna types, antennas' orientation and position through a ray-tracing simulation. The simulation software utilized is Wireless InSite® from Remcom Inc. Both static and dynamic scenarios are considered. Multiple transmitters and receivers were spread on the rear, center and front of two vehicles separated by 10m distance. A car with a height more than transmitting and receiving end car was placed in between them to study the vehicular channel behavior in complete Non-Line of Sight (N-LOS) scenarios. To simulate the dynamic scenarios, the response of each receiver with respect to each transmitter was analyzed at a static situation. Then, the entire set up (transmitting, receiving and blocking cars) was moved to a new position, to examine the variation in the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) as well as multipath contributions in the changes in channel capacity. Both Omni directional and directional antennas were studied. Different antenna orientations were adopted in the case of directive horn antennas to analyze the effect of antenna directivity on improving the channel efficiency. Furthermore, incorporating the concept of Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MIMO), antenna selection both at the transmitter and receiver sides were used to evaluate the channel capacity of a Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) communication system in respect to antenna position and car locations.
On the Construction and Maintenance of Expectancies

Reaction time techniques were used to examine the role of attention in the construction and maintenance of expectancies. In Experiment I, a primed letter matching task, expectancies were observed through a delay (cost) in responding to misprimed letter arrays. A secondary probe task was interpolated between prime and array letters on some of the trials, with attentional demands inferred from delayed responding to probes. By varying the amount of time between onset of the prime and either a probe or letter array, it was found that there is attentional involvement (as reflected in probe inhibition) prior to the observation of expectancies (as reflected in letter matching cost). It was also found that the interpolation of an attention-demanding probe task did not entirely disrupt primed expectancies. Experiment II found that an expectancy persists even when an interpolated distractor task signals that the expectancy is no longer valid. These expectancies were found to decay as a function of time. The implica...
Quantum efficiency of cesium iodide photocathodes at soft x-ray and extreme ultraviolet wavelengths

We have measured the quantum efficiency for normal incidence radiation of microchannel plate detectors which use opaque or semitransparent photocathodes made of fluffy CsI, solid CsI, or both. At wavelengths below ~44 A, detectors with fluffy CsI semitransparent photocathodes are more efficient than those with opaque photocathodes of solid CsI, but the opposite is true at longer wavelengths. Fluffy CsI semitransparent photocathodes with surface densities between 150 and 400 μg/cm2 are optimum at soft x-ray wavelengths, and we have obtained efficiencies of 35 and 41% at 8 and 44 A, respectively, for a single-layer photocathode. The measured peak efficiency for an opaque layer of solid CsI, deposited at 0° coating angle and 5000 A (226 μg/cm2) in thickness, is 56% at 110 A.
The TEC as a theory of embodied cognition

We argue that the strengths of the Theory of Event Coding (TEC) can usefully be applied to a wider scope of cognitive tasks, and tested by more diverse methodologies. When allied with a theory of conceptual representation such as Barsalou's (1999a) perceptual symbol systems, and extended to data from eye-movement studies, the TEC has the potential to address the larger goals of an embodied view of cognition.
Defect states in polyacetylene and polydiacetylene

Abstract Possible intrinsic conformational defect states (e.g. mobile paramagnetic centres) in polyacetylene and polydiacetylene chains are compared and contrasted. Experimental evidence and implications in the more complicated polydiacetylene cases are reviewed, and theoretical repercussions are suggested (e.g. for exciton and polaron calculations).
Resource availability, matrix quality, microclimate, and spatial pattern as predictors of patch use by the Karner blue butterfly

Abstract Determination of which aspects of habitat quality and habitat spatial arrangement best account for variation in a species’ distribution can guide management for organisms such as the Karner blue butterfly ( Lycaeides melissa samuelis ), a federally endangered subspecies inhabiting savannas of Midwest and Eastern United States. We examined the extent to which three sets of predictors, (1) larval host plant ( Lupinus perennis , wild lupine) availability, (2) characteristics of the matrix surrounding host plant patches, and (3) factors affecting a patch’s thermal environment, accounted for variation in lupine patch use by Karner blues at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana and Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, USA. Each predictor set accounted for 7–13% of variation in patch occupancy by Karner blues at both sites and in larval feeding activity among patches at Indiana Dunes. Patch area, an indicator of host plant availability, was an exception, accounting for 30% of variation in patch occupancy at Indiana Dunes. Spatially structured patterns of patch use across the landscape accounted for 9–16% of variation in patch use and explained more variation in larval feeding activity than did spatial autocorrelation between neighboring patches. Because of this broader spatial trend across sites, a given management action may be more effective in promoting patch use in some portions of the landscape than in others. Spatial trend, resource availability, matrix quality, and microclimate, in general, accounted for similar amounts of variation in patch use and each should be incorporated into habitat management planning for the Karner blue butterfly.
MONITORING HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA(HBR) IN PRETERM INFANTS

Total bilirubin(BR)/Total plasma protein ratio was determined (“AO Bilirubinometer and TS meter”-0.075ml of blood) for monitoring HBR in 159 ill preterm infants. In addition, the presence of loosely-bound BR was determined by Sephadex column (0.25ml of blood) whenever indicated by the value of the ratio or the condition of the infants. The urine was also tested with “Ictotest” to exclude significant levels of plasma direct BR. Marked difference existed in the frequency of Seph(+) tests between infants of ≤32 and those of >32 wks of gestation. Albumin(Ig/kg) was infused in 13 Seph(+) infants. In 2 the test continued to be (+) and were exchanged transfused (ET), in the rest Seph(-) was obtained 30' following the infusion. None of the survivors and none of the 5 infants that died showed evidence of kernicterus.
Parenting preterm infants: a meta-synthesis.

Purpose: To synthesize the findings of qualitative studies on parenting preterm infants and present a framework that will enable clinical nurses to provide better care. Study Design and Methods: A meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesize the findings of 10 qualitative research studies that focused on parenting the preterm infant upon hospital discharge and on into the toddler years. Results: Five themes of parenting preterm infants emerged: adapting to risk, protecting fragility, preserving the family, compensating for the past, and cautiously affirming the future. Clinical Implications: Nurses provide expert care, anticipatory guidance, and education for NICU babies and families, but should also foster the inclusion of all family members in the NICU setting, provide opportunities for parental peer support, establish effective systems of continuity of care, and advocate for parents of preterms in policy-making arenas.
Hominid tool‐making versus carnivore scavenging

The effects of hyena scavenging on the remains of 75 animals in the Awash National Park, Ethiopia, were examined to provide a modern analogy to the fossil assemblage from Makapan. Brain's recent work ('70, '76) suggests that the actions of carnivores may account for the characteristics of the Makapan assemblage, a theory which contrasts with Dart's ('49, '55, '57, '59) interpretation of the fossils as osteodontokeratic tools and weapons manufactured, collected, and used by australopithecines. The modern assemblage was like that from Makapan in terms of relative representation of skeletal elements and patterns of bone breakage. Observations of hyenas in the Awash also lend support to the hypothesis that the Makapan assemblage may represent the uneaten remains of carnivore kills. The representation of major vertebrate groups at Makapan was compared with their representation at Awash and with their representation in hyena diets in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater (Kruuk, '72). This technique of faunal analysis was unable to detect differences between these groups, despite the fact that the three modern assemblages represent animals that died of different causes. Thus extreme caution must be used in deducing any specific information about the mode of death or taphonomic history of the animals represented in an assemblage on the basis of such faunal analyses.
On neglecting chemical exchange when correcting in vivo (31)P MRS data for partial saturation: commentary on: "Pitfalls in the measurement of metabolite concentrations using the one-pulse experiment in in Vivo NMR".

Abstract This article replies to Spencer et al. ( J. Magn. Reson. 149 , 251–257, 2001) concerning the degree to which chemical exchange affects partial saturation corrections using saturation factors. Considering the important case of in vivo 31 P NMR, we employ differential analysis to demonstrate a broad range of experimental conditions over which chemical exchange minimally affects saturation factors, and near-optimum signal-to-noise ratio is preserved. The analysis contradicts Spencer et al. 's broad claim that chemical exchange results in a strong dependence of saturation factors upon M 0 's and T 1 and exchange parameters. For Spencer et al. 's example of a dynamic 31 P NMR experiment in which phosphocreatine varies 20-fold, we show that our strategy of measuring saturation factors at the start and end of the study reduces errors in saturation corrections to 2% for the high-energy phosphates.
Impact of an Interprofessional Communication Course on Nursing, Medical, and Pharmacy Students’ Communication Skill Self-Efficacy Beliefs

Objective. To describe an interprofessional communication course in an academic health sciences center and to evaluate and compare interpersonal and interprofessional communication self-efficacy beliefs of medical, nursing, and pharmacy students before and after course participation, using Bandura’s self-efficacy theory as a guiding framework. Design. First-year nursing (n=36), first-year medical (n=73), and second-year pharmacy students (n=83) enrolled in an interprofessional communication skills development course voluntarily completed a 33-item survey instrument based on Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies prior to and upon completion of the course during the fall semester of 2012. Assessment. Nursing students entered the course with higher interpersonal and interprofessional communication self-efficacy beliefs compared to medical and pharmacy students. Pharmacy students, in particular, noted significant improvements in communication self-efficacy beliefs across multiple domains postcourse. Conclusion. Completion of an interprofessional communications course was associated with a positive impact on health professions students’ interpersonal and interprofessional communication self-efficacy beliefs.
Thoracic splenosis: know it--avoid unnecessary investigations, interventions, and thoracotomy.

Thoracic splenosis (TS) is autoimplantation of ectopic splenic tissue in the thoracic cavity that occurs following splenic injury. Most cases of TS are asymptomatic and are diagnosed during the course of an evaluation of incidentally discovered pulmonary lesions. Some cases may be difficult to diagnose, especially if features suggesting TS are not recognized. This may lead to an extensive workup and unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures including thoracotomy. Multiple, asymptomatic, left-sided pleura-based lesions associated with a history of thoracoabdominal injury and splenectomy are the key points that should alert one to suspect TS, which can then simply be confirmed with a 99mTcsulfa colloid radionuclide scan. If TS is suspected and radionuclide imaging studies are performed, further extensive investigations, such as bronchoscopy, biopsy, thoracoscopy, and thoracotomy, are not required as the radionuclide scan is definitive for diagnosis. Most cases are asymptomatic, so further treatment is rarely required; all cases are managed conservatively. We emphasize that all physicians, radiologists, pathologists, and interventionalists should recognize key features that suggest the diagnosis of TS, order appropriate imaging when it is suspected, and avoid unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures including thoracotomy.
Distribution of M protein and nucleocapsid protein of vesicular stomatitis virus in infected cell plasma membranes

The association of M protein and the nucleocapsid (N) protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) with the cytoplasmic surface of plasma membranes prepared from infected cells was examined by double label immunofluorescence. M protein in association with the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane was distributed in two distinct labeling patterns. Punctate labeling of M protein in the plasma membrane was observed in association with corresponding labeling for the nucleocapsid protein. Diffusely labeled M protein was distributed in areas of the plasma membrane that were devoid of any detectable labeling for the nucleocapsid protein. Similar results were obtained with two different cell types at 4 h and later times postinfection. The diffuse label for M protein was present in membranes prepared from cells infected with a temperature-sensitive M protein mutant at the nonpermissive temperature, but neither the punctate label for M protein nor labeling for the nucleocapsid protein was observed. Upon shift to permissive temperature, both the punctate label for M protein and labeling for the nucleocapsid protein began to reappear in membranes prepared from cells infected with the M protein mutant. These results indicate that M protein can associate with the plasma membrane without prior binding to nucleocapsids and that association of functional M protein with the plasma membrane is required for the stable association of nucleocapsids with the membrane during the process of viral budding.
Behavior, the environment, and the health of the individual☆

The contribution of medical treatment to the health of the world's population was virtually nil until the 20th century and continues to be small. In contrast, the contribution of the prevention of disease through modification of the environment (improved ventilation, drainage, sewage disposal) has been great. This effect is seen in the dramatic rise in the population of Europe since the early 18th century. The major causes of death and disability in developed countries, however, have changed markedly during the present century. Most of the risk factors associated with these diseases are behavioral in nature (cigarette smoking, excessive caloric intake, excessive alcohol consumption, inadequate exercise, etc.). Accordingly, modifying the environment is no longer enough--one must modify the behavior of the individual. To do this, one needs an effective technology for modifying behaviors that have important health consequences. Such a behavioral technology is being developed. Some of the principles underlying this technology will be illustrated by their application to one modern scourge--cigarette smoking.
Identification of a Sequence within the Integrin β6 Subunit Cytoplasmic Domain That Is Required to Support the Specific Effect of αvβ6 on Proliferation in Three-dimensional Culture

The integrin αvβ6 augments the proliferation of epithelial cells in collagen gels and in vivo. This effect depends on the presence of a unique carboxyl-terminal region of the β6 subunit cytoplasmic domain. In the present study, we have utilized deletional and alanine substitution mutagenesis within this region to map the amino acids responsible for αvβ6-mediated proliferation in more detail. Replacement or deletion of any of 6 amino acids (glutamic acid 778, lysine 779, lysine 781, valine 782, aspartic acid 783, and leucine 784) largely abolished the proliferative effects of αvβ6, but none of the mutants examined interfered with αvβ6-mediated cell adhesion or with localization of αvβ6 to focal adhesions. These findings suggest that residues contained within the sequence EKXKVDL are critical for the effects of αvβ6 on proliferation in collagen gels and that pathways initiated by interaction with this sequence are distinct from those required for integrin-mediated cell attachment or focal adhesion formation.
Beyond Schmittel and Myers-Saito cyclizations: rearrangements of 4-heteroatom-1,2-hexa-diene-5-ynes.

The thermal rearrangements of 4-heteroatom-1,2-hexadiene-5-ynes (2) were studied at the BLYP/6-311+G*//BLYP/6-31G* level of theory. Cyclization of 2 to heteroatom-containing cyclopentadienyl structures (6) competes with the Claisen-type rearrangement to acyclic, allenic structures. Cyclizations to cyclobutene (4)- and cyclohexadiene (8)-derived heterocycles are not feasible as a result of high reaction barriers and lower-lying alternative pathways.
Transmission of Vertical Vibration to the Human Foot and Ankle

The load absorbing capability of the foot and ankle system (FAS) was characterized by measuring the transmissibility and the phase delay at the medial malleolus and the tibial tuberosity. The FAS of twenty subjects were exposed to sinusoidal vertical excitation (10-50 Hz with 5 Hz increments and peak to peak acceleration of 17.9 m/s(2)) while sitting as a function of the external mass (0, 2.3, and 4.5 kg) and the foot postures (midstance, plantarflexion, and dorsiflexion). The results showed that the FAS plays important role in vibration transmission of lower leg. Adding extra mass affected a resonant frequency at the medial malleolus: 15-25, 30-35, and 35 Hz for with no additional mass, 2.3, and 4.5 kg, respectively. However, the changed postures of the FAS did not show significant effect on the resonant frequency. The applied mass affected the stiffness increase of the FAS and consequently resulted in the increase of the resonant frequency. This result supports the assertion that the resonant frequency of overweight or obese persons is similar to the major frequency component (25-35 Hz) of the heel strike.
Single configuration Dirac-Fock atom code

A single configuration version of the multiconfigurational Dirac-Fock atomic code of Desclaux has been developed into an automated FORTRAN 77 subroutine, requiring only the atomic number as input. The output contains energies, wavefunctions, densities and other data similar to that in atomic structure tables.
Excitation of hydrogen atom by positron using hylleraas time-dependent approach

The time-dependent treatment of positron-hydrogen scattering for a zero total angular momentum has been presented. The initial wavefunction of the positron-hydrogen scattering system has been expanded in terms of three dimensional dynamical wave functions to include all higher angular momenta by solving a set of three coupled differential equations. This wavefunction is then time evolved using Taylor series expansion of the evolution operator. The excitation probabilities are monitored as the wavefunction propagates until there is no more change in the probabilities. The positron impact excitation cross-sections extracted from the final wavefunction are compared with the available results of converged close coupling approach.
Improving precipitation forecasts over the Global tropical belt

This study explores the nowcasting and short-range forecasting (up to 3 days) skills of rainfall over the tropics using a high resolution global model. Since the model-predicted rainfall is very sensitive to model parameters, four key model parameters were first selected. They are the Asselin filter coefficient, the fourth order horizontal diffusion coefficient, the surface moisture flux coefficient, and the vertical diffusion coefficient. The optimal values were defined as those which contributed to the best one day rainfall forecasts in the present study. In order to demonstrate and improve the precipitation forecast skill, several numerical experiments were designed using the 14-level Florida State University Global Spectral Model (FSUGSM) at a resolution of T106. Comparisons were also made of the short-range forecasts obtained from a control experiment subjected to normal mode initialization (NMI) versus experiments based on physical initialization (PI). The latter experiments were integrated using the original FSUGSM and a modified version. This modified FSUGSM was developed here by applying a reverse cumulus parameterization alorithm to the regular forecast model, which restructures the vertical humidity distribution and constrains the large-scale model’s moisture error growth during the model integration. An improved short-range rainfall prediction skill was achieved from the modified FSUGSM in this study. The results showed a better agreement between model-based and observed rainfall intensity and pattern.
New directions in divorce research

Abstract Despite a multitude of descriptive accounts on the impact of divorce on families, research has generally neglected how change in residence, income, employment, and social relationships relates to the kinds of conflict which families of divorce experience. A partial model of post‐divorce income prediction for females with custody of children is offered as well as suggestions for preventative measures which focus on social skills acquisition prior to marriage.
Atlas-Based Analysis of Resting-State Functional Connectivity: Evaluation for Reproducibility and Multi-Modal Anatomy-Function Correlation Studies

Resting state functional connectivity MRI (rsfc-MRI) reveals a wealth of information about the functional organization of the brain, but poses unique challenges for quantitative image analysis, mostly related to the large number of voxels with low signal-to-noise ratios. In this study, we tested the idea of using a prior spatial parcellation of the entire brain into various structural units, to perform an analysis on a structure-by-structure, rather than voxel-by-voxel, basis. This analysis, based upon atlas parcels, potentially offers enhanced SNR and reproducibility, and can be used as a common anatomical framework for cross-modality and cross-subject quantitative analysis. We used Large Deformation Diffeomorphic Metric Mapping (LDDMM) and a deformable brain atlas to parcel each brain into 185 regions. To investigate the precision of the cross-subject analysis, we computed inter-parcel correlations in 20 participants, each of whom was scanned twice, as well as the consistency of the connectivity patterns inter- and intra-subject, and the intersession reproducibility. We report significant inter-parcel correlations consistent with previous findings, and high test-retest reliability, an important consideration when the goal is to compare clinical populations. As an example of the cross-modality analysis, correlation with anatomical connectivity is also examined.
Debunking myths about female circumcision

U t t c c g s o l f Last month it was announced that in the United States, one third of all doctors and lawyers are women. In the United States and in Europe, as well as in many parts of Asia and Latin America, educational opportunities for women and girls are taken for granted. A woman’s right to self-determination regarding her own body is assumed, and there are few residual cultural beliefs or activities that cause direct harm to women in systematized ways.
Mendel: efficiently verifying the lineage of data modified in multiple trust domains

Data is routinely created, disseminated, and processed in distributed systems that span multiple administrative domains. To maintain accountability while the data is transformed by multiple parties, a consumer must be able to check the lineage of the data and deem it trustworthy. If integrity is not ensured, the consequences can be significant, particularly when the data cannot easily be reproduced. Verifying the provenance of a piece of data generated using inputs from multiple administrative domains is likely to require the use of numerous public keys that originate at external institutions. Current methods for verifying the integrity of such data from other users will not scale for provenance metadata since scores of verifications may be needed to validate a single file's lineage graph. We describe Mendel, a protocol with a three-pronged strategy that combines eager signature verification, lazy trust establishment, and cryptographic ordering witnesses to yield fast lineage verification in distributed multi-domain environments. Further, we show how decisional lineage queries, that is whether one file is the ancestor of the other, can be answered with high probability in constant time.
Palliative therapy of colorectal carcinoma: stent or surgery?

"Surgical" palliation of obstructing colorectal carcinomas may involve resection with or without stoma formation, formation of a stoma alone, a colonic bypass procedure, or no procedure at all. Palliative surgical procedures confer a significant morbidity and mortality. Factors associated with increased mortality for colorectal cancer include advancing age of patient, advancing stage of the disease and the necessity for an emergency procedure. Advanced obstructing malignant lesions pose a clinical dilemma as the risks and time of recovery from surgery have to be balanced against providing a dignified quality of remaining life. Self expanding metal stents (SEMS) for acutely obstructing advanced colorectal carcinomas provide a cost effective option that avoids surgery in a usually frail group of patients. They can be inserted under sedation, rapidly decompress the colon and lead to an early return of colonic function. The procedure is carried out endoscopically with radiological assistance to determine a lumen and to confirm adequate stent placement. SEMS are not suitable for low rectal lesions and are more difficult to place in those that traverse colonic flexures. Complications from successful SEMS placement include migration and stent occlusion. The morbidity associated with SEMS is associated with migration or perforation of the colon during placement, pain and less commonly haemorrhage. Despite these problems most patients can be successfully decompressed without further endoscopic or surgical reintervention and allow satisfactory palliation.
Comparison of the satiating effect of the CCKA receptor agonist A71378 with CCK-8S

Abstract The satiating effect of the selective cholecystokinin A (CCK A ) receptor agonist A71378 and the mixed A and B receptor agonist CCK-8S were compared in 24-h food-deprived rats. After systemic application of 1.6, 8.0, and 40 μg/kg A71378 or CCK-8S, respectively, food intake was measured for 24 h. During the first hour A71378 and CCK-8S decreased food intake similarly. Two and 4 h after treatment, the satiating effect of A71378 continued. In contrast, 2 h after administration of CCK-8S a slight effect was observed at the highest dose (40 μg/kg), which totally disappeared after 4 h. In summary, the effect of A71378 on food intake is longer lasting compared to CCK-8S.
Accuracy of quadratic versus linear interpolation in noninvasive Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI).

Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI) is a cardiac functional imaging modality, noninvasively reconstructing epicardial potentials, electrograms and isochrones (activation maps) from multi-channel body surface potential recordings. The procedure involves solving Laplace’s equation in the source-free volume conductor between torso and epicardial surfaces, using Boundary Element Method (BEM). Previously, linear interpolation (LI) on three-noded triangular surface elements was used in the BEM formulation. Here, we use quadratic interpolation (QI) for potentials over six-noded linear triangles. The performance of LI and QI in ECGI is evaluated through direct comparison with measured data from an isolated canine heart suspended in a human-torso-shaped electrolyte tank. QI enhances the accuracy and resolution of ECGI reconstructions for two different inverse methods, Tikhonov regularization and Generalized Minimal Residual (GMRes) method, with the QI-GMRes combination providing the highest accuracy and resolution. QI reduces the average relative error (RE) between reconstructed and measured epicardial potentials by 25%. It preserves the amplitude (average RE reduced by 48%) and morphology of electrograms better (average correlation coefficient for QI ∼ 0.97, LI ∼ 0.92). We also applied QI to ECGI reconstructions in human subjects during cardiac pacing, where QI locates ventricular pacing sites with higher accuracy (≤ 10 mm) than LI (≤ 18 mm).
Mesoscale Cyclogenesis over the Southwestern Ross Sea Linked to Strong Katabatic Winds

Abstract Two years of automatic weather station (AWS) observations and satellite images have been used to study mesoscale cyclogenesis along the Transantarctic Mountains. Twice-daily regional sea-level pressure analyses revealed the frequent formation of mesoscale cyclones adjacent to two regions where the discharge of cold boundary-layer air from east Antarctica is concentrated: near Terra Nova Bay/Franklin Island and Byrd Glacier. Between one and two new vortices on average formed each week in the former location with weak frequency maxima in December–March and August–September. There was a large difference between the cyclogenetic activity in the two years. The AWS array expanded in 1985 and resolved another cyclogenetic area near Byrd Glacier. This feature was half as active as the Franklin Island area and exhibited many of the same characteristics. About half of the Byrd Glacier cyclones developed simultaneously with vortices near Franklin Island. These developments are the result of a dry baroclinic...
Physiological Fluctuations in Brain Temperature as a Factor Affecting Electrochemical Evaluations of Extracellular Glutamate and Glucose in Behavioral Experiments

The rate of any chemical reaction or process occurring in the brain depends on temperature. While it is commonly believed that brain temperature is a stable, tightly regulated homeostatic parameter, it fluctuates within 1–4 °C following exposure to salient arousing stimuli and neuroactive drugs, and during different behaviors. These temperature fluctuations should affect neural activity and neural functions, but the extent of this influence on neurochemical measurements in brain tissue of freely moving animals remains unclear. In this Review, we present the results of amperometric evaluations of extracellular glutamate and glucose in awake, behaving rats and discuss how naturally occurring fluctuations in brain temperature affect these measurements. While this temperature contribution appears to be insignificant for glucose because its extracellular concentrations are large, it is a serious factor for electrochemical evaluations of glutamate, which is present in brain tissue at much lower levels, showing ...