cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using a Social Determinants of Health Summary Measure to Predict General Health Status in the BRFSS.

Purpose This study aims to assess the relationship between social determinants of health (SDoH) burden and overall health. Design Three years of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data (2017-2019) were combined for this cross-sectional study. Setting Massachusetts. Subjects Out of a possible 21,312 respondents, 16,929 (79%) were eligible for inclusion. Measures To create the SDoH summary measure, items assessing social risk experiences including financial instability (1 item), housing instability (2 items), perceptions of neighborhood crime (1 item), and food insecurity (2 items) were summed to create a count of risk experiences. Outcome measures included self-rated general health, days of poor physical health, and days of poor mental health. Analysis Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between each outcome and the SDoH summary measure, adjusting for demographic confounders. Results In adjusted analyses, respondents who reported experiencing 1, 2, 3, or 4+ SDoH had a 1.6 (95% CI: 1.3-2.0), 2.9 (95% CI: 2.3-3.7), 3.2 (95% CI: 2.4-4.3), or 5.3 (95% CI: 4.0-7.0) increased odds (respectively) of self-rated fair/poor health, compared to those who reported zero SDoH. The adjusted relationship between the SDoH summary measure and physical health and mental health was similar in magnitude and statistically significant. Conclusions These results demonstrate that the overall burden of risk due to SDoH is an important predictor of health.
GeoPKI: Converting Spatial Trust into Certificate Trust

The goal of GeoPKI is to enable secure certificate validation without user interaction for situations in which a user interacts with an online entity associated with the physical space where the the user trusts and usually is currently located. GeoPKI enables the owner of a space to associate a certificate with that space, and enables space-based certificate lookup to set up a secure channel to the online resource associated with the space. Such a system enables several secure applications, such as secure authentication of paywall certificates at an airport or hotel.
The plasma filling factor of coronal bright points - Coronal bright points

Aims. We determine the volumetric plasma filling factor of coronal bright points. Methods. Rastered spectra of the regions of the quiet Sun were recorded by the Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) during operations with the Hinode satellite. Calibrated intensities of Fe xii lines were obtained and images of the quiet corona were constructed. From the imaged spectra, the emission measures and geometrical widths of coronal bright points were obtained. Electron densities were determined from density-sensitive line ratios. A comparison of the emission measure and bright point widths with the electron densities yielded the plasma-filling factor. Results. The median electron density of coronal bright points is 4 × 10 9 cm −3 at a temperature of 1.6 × 10 6 K. The volumetric plasmafilling factor of coronal bright points was found to vary from 4 × 10 −5 to 0.2 with a median value of 0.015. Conclusions. The current set of EIS coronal bright point observations indicates that the median value of their plasma filling-factor is 0.015. This can be interpreted as evidence of a considerable subresolution structure in coronal bright points or as the result of a single completely-filled plasma loop with a width on the order of 1–2 arcsec that has not been spatially resolved in these measurements.
Comparative effectiveness of aggressive versus nonaggressive treatment among men with early-stage prostate cancer and differing comorbid disease burdens at diagnosis.

BACKGROUND This study sought to compare the effectiveness of aggressive versus nonaggressive treatment in reducing cancer-specific mortality for older men with early-stage prostate cancer across differing comorbid disease burdens at diagnosis. METHODS In total, the authors sampled 140,553 men aged ≥66 years with early-stage prostate cancer who were diagnosed between 1991 and 2007 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database. Propensity-adjusted competing-risks regression analysis was used to compare the risk of cancer-specific mortality between men who received aggressive versus nonaggressive treatment among comorbidity subgroups. RESULTS In propensity-adjusted competing-risks regression analysis, aggressive treatment was associated with a significantly lower risk of cancer-specific mortality among men who had Charlson scores of 0, 1, and 2 but not among men who had Charlson scores ≥3 (subhazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-1.18). The absolute reduction in 15-year cancer-specific mortality between men who received aggressive versus nonaggressive treatment was 6.1%, 4.3%, 3.9%, and 0.9% for men with Charlson scores of 0, 1, 2, and ≥3, respectively. Among men who had well-differentiated and moderately-differentiated tumors, aggressive treatment again was associated with a lower risk of cancer-specific mortality for those who had Charlson scores of 0, 1, and 2 but not for those who had Charlson scores ≥3 (subhazard ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-1.89). The absolute reduction in 15-year cancer-specific mortality between men who received aggressive versus nonaggressive treatment was 3.8%, 3%, 1.9%, and −0.5% for men with Charlson scores of 0, 1, 2, and ≥3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The cancer-specific survival benefit from aggressive treatment for early-stage prostate cancer diminishes with increasing comorbidity at diagnosis. Men with Charlson scores ≥3 garner no survival benefit from aggressive treatment. Cancer 2014;120:2432–2439. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Physical characteristics of GE (General Electric) BWR (boiling-water reactor) fuel assemblies

The physical characteristics of fuel assemblies manufactured by the General Electric Company for boiling-water reactors are classified and described. The classification into assembly types is based on the GE reactor product line, the Characteristics Data Base (CDB) assembly class, and the GE fuel design. Thirty production assembly types are identified. Detailed physical data are presented for each assembly type in an appendix. Descriptions of special (nonstandard) fuels are also reported. 52 refs., 1 fig., 6 tabs.
Good-Bye, Humpty Dumpty?

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cohen v. U.S. (No. 08-5088) rebuffed an attempt by the IRS to treat as a general statement of policy a Notice by which it both conceded its refund obligation for certain improperly collected telephone excise taxes and established a binding and exclusive refund process, and found instead it had created a legally binding rule.The D.C. Circuit's reasoning in the Cohen case could be an indication of the fate of the FCC's 2008 Comcast P2P Order, currently in the midst of its briefing cycle before that same court, where the FCC claimed to subsequently enforce its 2005 Internet Policy Statement against Comcast.The Cohen decision is like a looking-glass version of the FCC's Comcast action - it shows what happens when an agency tries to claim that a prospective binding rule is merely a statement of general policy - in contrast to the FCC acting as if a policy statement is as binding and enforceable as a rule. Therefore it is probable the FCC will conclude that the legal justifications and course pursued in the Comcast P2P Order are unsustainable and that Congress has not delegated to it broad authority to regulate the Internet or Internet services. The best legal strategy, accordingly, may very well be for the agency to seek such authority from Congress, should it determine that it needs to act in this area - a proposition subject to great debate. As Chairman Genachowski stated, "If we don't [have the tools to enforce violations of the FCC's open Internet principles], we will say so." This is a refreshing departure from the past. Let us hope that the new FCC Chairman will approach this very important task in a less Humpty Dumpty-like fashion than his predecessor.
Optimism is universal: exploring the presence and benefits of optimism in a representative sample of the world

Current theories of optimism suggest that the tendency to maintain positive expectations for the future is an adaptive psychological resource associated with improved well-being and physical health, but the majority of previous optimism research has been conducted in industrialized nations. The present study examined (a) whether optimism is universal, (b) what demographic factors predict optimism, and (c) whether optimism is consistently associated with improved subjective well-being and perceived health worldwide. The present study used representative samples of 142 countries that together represent 95% of the world's population. The total sample of 150,048 individuals had a mean age of 38.28 (SD = 16.85) and approximately equal sex distribution (51.2% female). The relationships between optimism, subjective well-being, and perceived health were examined using hierarchical linear modeling. Results indicated that most individuals and most countries worldwide are optimistic and that higher levels of optimism are associated with improved subjective well-being and perceived health worldwide. The present study provides compelling evidence that optimism is a universal phenomenon and that the associations between optimism and improved psychological functioning are not limited to industrialized nations.
Animal Models for Coxsackievirus Infections

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the animal models used for coxsackievirus infections. Coxsackievirus viruses are classified into the coxsackieviruses group A (CVA) or coxsackieviruses group B. Establishment of a CVB-, particularly a coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-, murine model of myocarditis is a straightforward process, if one carefully selects male mice of the right age and strain to match the selected cardiovirulent virus strain. The virus challenge usually occurs by the intraperitoneal route, although per oral challenge with a CVB3 induces myocarditis. Challenge of all BALB/c strains with cardiovirulent CVB3 results in 100% fatalities within two weeks. Studies with CVB3-inoculated transgenic knockout mice show that deletion of MIP-1α prevents disease, whereas deletion of CD4 or β-microglobin results in more severe myocarditis. Generally, female mice are more resistant to induction of myocarditis by cardiovirulent CVB3 than males of the same strain. The CVB, and particularly some coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) strains, are known to infect cells of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas. Recent studies show that both cardiovirulent and non-cardiovirulent CVB3 strains can induce a progressive unrelenting insulitis and destruction of exocrine pancreatic cells in both CD-1 and C3H/HeJ mice from two weeks through day 90 post-inoculation. Adolescent mice maintained on severe nutrient limitation, hypercholesteremic-, vitamin E-or selenium-deficient diets develop more severe myocarditis when challenged with a cardiovirulent CVB strain than mice maintained on normal lab chow and challenged with that CVB. Mice maintained on two deficient diets and challenged with a non-cardiovirulent CVB3 also developed myocarditis as a result of rapid selection of cardiovirulent variants under these conditions.
The Role of the Father in the Family

(1952). The Role of the Father in the Family. The Journal of Experimental Education: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 319-361.
Rearview Video System as Countermeasure for Trucks' Backing Crashes: Evaluating the System's Effectiveness by Controlled Test

In general, the operation of large trucks involves many different types of maneuvers. The backing maneuver, in particular, requires a higher level of driver attention because of the limited rear view. A growing number of trucks in the United States are equipped with a rearview video system (RVS) that can help the driver see much of the area behind the vehicle. An RVS consists of one or more cameras and one monitor. It is expected that an RVS can help drivers reduce potential backing crashes. To evaluate the effectiveness of the system, this study performed a controlled driver test with 45 truck drivers. The test used three backing maneuvers and a pedestrian dummy for observation of potential crashes. The results showed that the use of an RVS increased the stop rate of the drivers during the straightline backing maneuver by 46.7%, which could be interpreted as an increase in the odds of avoiding potential backing crashes during the backing maneuver. The stop rate increased 4.4% and 17.8% for the offset rig...
The Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Origin-binding Protein: SEQUENCE-SPECIFIC ACTIVATION OF ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY BY A DOUBLE-STRANDED DNA CONTAINING BOX I *

Origin-dependent replication of the herpes simplex virus type 1 genome requires the virally encoded origin-binding protein, UL9. UL9 binds specifically to the herpes simplex virus type 1 replication origin at two high affinity binding sites on the DNA, Boxes I and II. UL9 also has ATP-dependent DNA helicase and DNA-stimulated ATPase activities that are used to unwind the origin DNA. Origin-specific binding is mediated by the C-terminal domain (C-domain) of the enzyme. ATPase and helicase activities are mediated by the N-terminal domain (N-domain). Previous studies have shown that single-stranded DNA is a good coeffector for ATPase activity. We have analyzed several DNAs for their ability to stimulate the ATPase activity of UL9 and of a truncated UL9 protein (UL9/N) consisting only of the N-domain. We report here that duplex Box I DNA specifically and potently stimulates the ATPase activity of UL9 but not of UL9/N. We also find that removal of the C-domain significantly increases the ATPase activity of UL9. We have incorporated these results into a model for initiation in which the C-domain of UL9 serves to regulate the enzymatic activity of the N-domain.
A compact, cost-effective diffuse reflectance spectroscopic imaging system for quantitative tissue absorption and scattering

There is clinical utility for a wide-field, spectroscopic imaging device for quantitative tissue absorption and scattering in a number of applications. We present the design of a compact, cost-effective spectroscopic imaging system, which consists of a broadband source with bandpass filters and a light guide for illumination and an inexpensive array of silicon photodiodes for detection. A single-pixel version of the system was tested in liquid phantoms simulating a wide range of human breast tissue and optical properties can be extracted with absorption and reduced scattering errors of 12.6% and 4.7%, respectively. We show proof-of-concept for performing fast, wide-field spectroscopic imaging with a simple design. The design also allows for scaling and expansion into higher pixel number and density in future iterations of custom device design, which includes in-house photodiode array fabrication processes and integration of on-board current amplifier circuits.
Transgenic mouse models for tumor suppressor genes

The identification and cloning of tumor suppressor genes has mostly relied on familial human cancer predisposition syndromes and reverse genetics. Recent advances in manipulating the mouse genome by gene targeting techniques in embryonic stem (ES) cells has led to the generation of mutant mouse models mimicking many human syndromes. Mice lacking one or both alleles of known tumor suppressor genes have been generated to evaluate the normal function of these genes in vivo. These mice have proven to be highly susceptible to tumor development, indicating that the mouse is a potent in vivo assay system for tumor suppressor genes. The initiation of gonadal tumor development in mice lacking both copies of the alpha-inhibin gene demonstrates that this assay is also useful for identifying new tumor suppressor genes. In the future, murine ES cell/gene targeting strategies will continue to be used to identify novel tumor suppressors and analyze their in vivo roles in growth control.
Distance Measuring Device Over Body Surface

Nerve conduction studies help to diagnose muscle and nerve diseases and point to the underlying cause and potential treatments. Conduction studies involve stimulating nerve at different points along its course and recording the response with an electrode, conduction velocity is determined by dividing the distance traveled by the time it takes the impulse to travel that distance. While the measurement of time is done electronically and is very accurate, measurement of distance in every commercial laboratory is done by marking the skin and measuring the distance with a flexible tape measure. Such distance measurement is highly error prone and leads to erroneous results and misdiagnosis. We present a device to measure distances along the body surface. It eliminates examiner error in the measurement of distance. It delivers an operator-independent and reproducible measurement and thereby increases accuracy of test results and avoids misdiagnosis. Furthermore, the device saves a significant amount of time. Stopping to pull out a tape measure, reading it and entering the data into the computer, all adds time to the length of the procedure. The measurement device eliminates these steps thereby increasing efficiency. It also transmits the measured distances directly to the computer, thus eliminating error in data entry. The device uses the established optical mouse technology at its core. It can measure displacements with a 0.0635 mm resolution. It is based on a commercial chip set, ADNS-5030 from ‘Avago Technologies.’ The system consists of an optoelectronic sensor which measures changes in position by optically acquiring sequential skin surface images (frames) and mathematically determining the direction and magnitude of movement. The sensor only needs to be pointing at but not touching the skin. The main advantage of this approach is that it is contactless, eliminating the need for disinfection. Although, current limitation of the device is in measuring accurately over non-planar surface due to its considerably large size making it difficult to maneuver over bumpy surfaces. Initial results for measurement studies performed over a diverse subject pool (in terms of skin color, hair density) results are promising with an error less than 9% for distances over 75 mm. A reduction in size of the device would lead to more accurate results as smaller size would help in easy maneuverability. Future implementations will exploit the contactless feature and integrate the measurement in the stimulus probe, reducing testing time and the need to operate multiple devices.
Participation of cytocheome P-450 in the steroid 17α-hydroxylase of testis microsomes

Abstract The effect of metyrapone on the activity of the steroid 17α-hydroxylase from rat testis was evaluated. A competitive pattern of inhibition vas observed after analysis of data using a least mean squares computer analysis. The substrate for the hydroxylase induced a Type I difference spectrum in an active suspension of Triton treated microsomes. The magnitude of this spectral change was dependent on steroid concentration and was diminished by metyrapone. The effect of metyrapone was abolished at infinite steroid concentration. These results confirm the participation of cytochrome P-450 as a reactant in the 17α-hydroxylase reaction.
Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet. By John G. Turner. (Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2012. Pp. viii, 500. $35.00.)

As the man responsible for leading the Latter‐Day Saints to their new promised land, Brigham Young often seems a man set apart from his times. In this engaging and fast‐paced biography, John G. Tur...
Saccades and reaches, behaving differently.

Previously, we have shown, both in humans and monkeys, that the latencies of exogenously generated saccades decrease with an increase in the number of response alternatives (Lawrence et al. in J Vis 8:26, 1–7, 2008). Because this pattern of latencies was in the direction opposite that predicted by Hick (Q J Exp Psychol 4:11–26, 1952), we termed the effect an “anti-Hick’s” effect. In contrast, previous research has shown that reach latencies increase with an increase in response alternatives (e.g., Wright et al. in Exp Brain Res 179:475–496, 2007). Given that there are known interactions between the saccade and reach systems, we examined whether the direction of the relationship between latencies and response alternatives differed when saccades and reaches are concomitantly executed. Interestingly, we found that the pattern of latencies nevertheless persisted in a visually guided saccade and reach task. These results place an important constraint on the anti-Hick’s effect, suggesting not only that the effect is localized within the saccade system, but also that it is localized in the saccade system at a level in which saccade and reach signals do not interact.
Assimilation of surface soil moisture to estimate profile soil water content

Abstract The use of surface soil water content data as additional input for the Root Zone Water Quality Model in modeling profile soil water content was investigated at four field sites in the Little Washita River Experimental Watershed in south central Oklahoma, coincident with the Southern Great Plains 1997 (SGP97) Hydrology Experiment. Modeled soil water profile estimates were compared to field measurements made periodically during the same time period using a field calibrated time-domain reflectometry (TDR) system. The model was first run in the normal mode with inputs of initial conditions and upper boundary conditions of measured rainfall intensities and daily mean meteorological variables that determined evapotranspiration (ET). Soil hydraulic properties used in the model were estimated from limited soils data information, since in practical terms this is usually the case. Moreover, in our earlier study even the complete description of hydraulic properties based on laboratory and field measurements did not improve the results over average profile estimates using only limited input data. The model runs were then repeated with the daily simulated soil water content in the surface 0–5 cm layer being replaced by 0–5 cm measured soil water content. This process of forcing measured surface water content as additional model input is called direct insertion data assimilation. The simulated profile soil water contents, with and without data assimilation, were compared with TDR-measured profiles to a depth of 60 cm. Gravimetric surface soil water content was measured during SGP97 from June 18 to July 16, 1997 and used as a surrogate for remotely sensed surface moisture data. Data assimilation of surface soil moisture improved model estimates to a depth of 30 cm at all sites. Of particular significance, with data assimilation, model estimates more closely matched the measured dynamic fluctuations of soil moisture in the top 30 cm in response to rainfall events. There was no significant improvement in soil water estimates below the 30 cm depth. This may indicate that data assimilation of surface soil moisture tends to compensate for any errors in model simulations emanating from: (1) errors in the measurement of rainfall intensities or in using 5-min averaged rainfall intensities as done here; (2) errors in using daily average values of meteorological variables that determine ET in a daily ET model; (3) errors in determining hydraulic properties of the surface soil by either laboratory methods or more simple techniques; (4) errors due to the spatial variability of soil hydraulic properties not properly represented in the model.
Southeastern Pacific Coupled Climate Field Experiment

During October and November 2008, some 150 scientists from 40 institutions in eight nations will take part in the Variability of the American Monsoon Systems' (VAMOS) Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx). VOCALS-REx is an international field program designed to make observations of critical components of the coupled climate system of the southeastern Pacific that are poorly understood and poorly represented in global climate models. The region is dominated by strong coastal upwelling and extensive cold sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and home to the largest subtropical deck of stratocumulus clouds on Earth.
A Mixed Finite Element for Plate Bending with Eight Enhanced Strain Modes

A low-order thick and thin plate bending element is derived using bilinear approximations for the transverse deflection, the two rotations and the thickness change. The stress–strain relationships from three-dimensional elasticity are used without any modifications. In order to avoid locking and to improve the accuracy of the results eight enhanced strain modes are used. For an efficient implementation of the mixed element, orthogonal stress and strain functions are utilized. Although the element is a low-order finite element the numerical results for a series of standard test problems are excellent. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Engineered Holliday Junctions As Single-Molecule Reporters For Protein-Dna Interactions

Protein-DNA interactions are essential for gene replication and expression. Characterizing how proteins interact with and change the structure of DNA upon binding is crucial in elucidating the mechanism of protein function. Here, we use engineered DNA Holliday junction (HJ) as a single-molecule FRET reporter to study how CueR, a Cu(I)-responsive MerR-family metalloregulator, interacts with its DNA substrate for transcriptional regulation. By analyzing the single-molecule structural dynamics of the engineered HJ in the presence of varying concentrations of both apo- and holo-Cuer, we show how this metalloragulator interacts with and change the structures of the two HJ conformers, forming various protein-DNA complexes at different protein concentrations. We also show how apo- and holo-CueR differ in their interactions with DNA, as well as their similarities and differences with other members of the MerR-family of regulators, in particular in their mechanisms of switching off gene transcription after activation. This method of using engineered HJs to quantify changes in the structure and dynamics of DNA upon protein binding provides a new tool to elucidate the correlation of structure, dynamics, and function of DNA-binding proteins.
"Merely a Facade"? Roosevelt and the Southwest Pacific

tralia, the region's geographically largest nation. So it is for Austra lian-American relations in the midst of a conflict that reshaped the geopolitical, economic, and even ideological face of the entire world. Nothing has made, and continues to make, Australians bitter and angry more than to be taken for granted. Britain had made a habit of it even as the colony developed its own identity as a nation—well be fore official independence. The most flagrant examples came in the two twentieth-century world wars. Had Britain made and suffered, on a per capita basis, Australia's contributions and losses in World War I, His Majesty's Government would have sued for peace. Then, in the early years of World War II, Britain followed a logical Germany first policy without ever consulting the Australians. Troops from Down Under,1 their homeland directly threatened by rapid Japanese expan sion, were expected (not asked) to participate in campaigns across North Africa that were peripheral to both the Pacific and the Euro pean wars—though not peripheral to British imperial interests. Then came the Americans, Douglas MacArthur and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who treated Australia as a launching pad either for personal fame or for a counterattack against the Japanese. Granted, the Australians des
Stress Analysis of Anisotropic Laminated Plates

Membrane and interlaminar stresses in statically loaded and vibrating composite structures are obtained by determining optically and numerically the respective partial derivatives of the holographically recorded transverse displacement field. A clamped, circular, orthotropic boron-epoxy plate under a uniformly applied static pressure and vibration are considered separately. Under uniform static pressure, yr0 = 0, while the anisotropy of the laminated composite results in ir9 ^ 0, which is unlike the corresponding isotropic case. The vibrating plate has complicated, unsymmetrical displacements producing both in-plane shearing strains and stresses. The higher order derivatives are obtained optically by holographic-moire and numerically by employing cubic-spline and discretequadratic differentiate functions.
DERIVATION OF AN INTERTEMPORAL CORRELATION COEFFICIENT MODEL BASED ON CASH FLOW COMPONENTS AND PROBABILISTIC EVALUATION OF A PROJECT'S NPV

ABSTRACT If the first two moments (mean and variance) of the net present value (NPV) are known, various probabilistic information of possible NPV can be derived. However, in general, it is practically impossible to estimate the variance of lengthy investment projects due to difficulties in estimating all the intertemporal correlation coefficients between cash flows of two different periods. In this paper, we derive an estimation model for the intertemporal coefficients based on cash flow components and show how the model, under a certain assumption, can be used for estimating and deriving probabilistic information.
Dynamic Energy Estimation of Query Plans in Database Systems

Data centers are well known to consume large amounts of energy. Since database is one of the major applications in a typical data center, building energy-aware database systems has become an active research topic recently. The quantification of the energy cost of database systems is an important task in designing such systems. In this paper, we report our recent efforts on this topic, with a focus on the energy cost estimation of query plans during query optimization. We start from building a series of physical models for energy estimation of individual relational operators based on their resource consumption patterns. Since the execution of individual queries is a combination of relational operators, we use the physical models as a basis for a comprehensive energy cost estimation model for entire query plans. To further improve model accuracy under system dynamics and the variations of workload characteristics, we develop an online model estimation scheme that dynamically corrects the static model based on advanced modeling techniques adopted from control engineering. The models are implemented in a real database and evaluated on a physical test bed with a comprehensive set of experimental workloads. The results show that our solution achieves a high accuracy (above 90%) in energy estimation despite noises from the system and workloads.
Systematic and Biological Notes on the Tribe Platymantispini (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) and the Description of a New Species of Plega from Mexico

The status of the genus Plega is discussed and a preliminary survey of the North American species is presented. Plega yucatanae, a new species reared from the cells of Megachile exaltata Smith, is described and compared with its near relatives. The immature stages are described and biological information is given.
K-space spatial low-pass filters can increase signal loss artifacts in Echo-Planar Imaging.

Effective transverse relaxation rate (T2*)-weighted echo-planar imaging (EPI) is extensively used for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), because of its high speed and good sensitivity to the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal. Nevertheless, its use is limited in areas with severe static magnetic field inhomogeneities that cause frequency shifts and T2* relaxation-related distortions of the MR signal along the time-domain (k-space) trajectory, resulting in disperse time-domain signals and generating susceptibility-induced signal losses. Echo planar images are commonly smoothed with k-space spatial low-pass filters to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and reduce reconstruction artifacts. Here, we show that when such filters are applied to the dispersed echo-signals (not perfectly centered in k-space), part of the image information from the object is removed, thereby enhancing signal-loss artifacts in the images. To avoid this artifact, the dispersed echo signal has to be refocused before k-space filtering.
Anatomical basis of central venous catheter fracture.

Central venous catheter fracture is a rare complication of long-term indwelling subclavian venous access. Subclavian vein access has been the recommended approach for placing central venous catheters. The anatomical landmark method for subclavian access remains a highly successful and nonequipment-dependent method for rapid central access. More recently, the internal jugular vein approach has emerged as the preferred route for long-term central venous access. However, variations in internal jugular vein anatomy make the landmark method less reliable. Use of two-dimensional real-time ultrasound during internal jugular vein access is associated with better success, a lower complication rate, and faster access. A case of central venous catheter fracture initiated an internal review of long-term central venous access procedures. We have converted to a predominantly internal jugular vein approach. This case report and literature review may assist other physicians and institutions in re-evaluating long-term central venous access protocols. Clin. Anat. 21:106–110, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Monitoring changes in VO2max via the Polar FT40 in female collegiate soccer players

AbstractThis study was conducted to determine if the Polar FT40 could accurately track changes in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in a group of female soccer players. Predicted VO2max (pVO2max) via the Polar FT40 and observed VO2max (aVO2max) from a maximal exercise test on a treadmill were determined for members of a collegiate soccer team (n = 20) before and following an 8-week endurance training protocol. Predicted (VO2max and aVO2max measures were compared at baseline and within 1 week post-training. Change values (i.e., the difference between pre to post) for each variable were also determined and compared. There was a significant difference in aVO2max (pre = 43.6 ± 2.4 ml · kg · min−1, post = 46.2 ± 2.4 ml · kg · min−1, P < 0.001) and pVO2max (pre = 47.3 ± 5.3 ml · kg · min−1, post = 49.7 ± 6.2 ml · kg · min−1, P = 0.009) following training. However, predicted values were significantly greater at each time point compared to observed values (P < 0.001 at pre and P = 0.008 at post). Furthermore, t...
Quasi-particle description of 2+ and 3− states of doubly even spherical nuclei

Abstract The description of the first 2 + and 3 − levels of spherical nuclei 90 ≦ A ≦ 150 and 186 ≦ A ≦ 206 is performed in the framework of the BCS theory. The residual interaction is taken as the superposition of the pairing force and of the multipole force. The short-range proton-neutron correlations are neglected. In addition to the valence nucleons, the core particles are taken into account; it allows the computation of the transition probabilities without any effective charge. Theoretical predictions concerning the E 2 + and E 3 − energies, the B (E2) and B (E3) reduced transition probabilities and the gyromagnetic factors g 2 + are in good agreement with experiment.
Electrophysiological characterization of a new member of the RCK family of rat brain K+ channels.

Abstract A novel member of the RCK family of rat brain K + channels, called RCK2, has been sequenced and expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The K + currents were voltage-dependent, activated within 20 ms (at 0 mV), did not inactivate in 5 s, and had a single channel conductance in frog Ringers of 8.2 pS. Compared to other members of the RCK family the pharmacological profile of RCK2 was unique in that the channel was resistant to block (IC 50 = 3.3 μM) by charybdotoxin [(1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 3329–3333] but relatively sensitive to 4-aminopyridine (0.3 mM), tetraethylammonium (1.7 mM), α-dendrotoxin (25 nM), noxiustoxin (200 nM), and mast cell degranulating peptide (200 nM). Thus, RCK2 is a non-inactivating delayed rectifier K + channel with interesting pharmacological properties.
Intramyocellular lipids: Maker vs. marker of insulin resistance

Summary Intramyocellular triglyceride (imcTG) content in skeletal muscle is abnormally high in lipid oversupply models in obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other metabolically diseased conditions. The imcTG abnormality was also found to be significantly correlated with muscle insulin resistance (MIR). As skeletal muscle is the main site for insulin-mediated glucose utilization, the research on this topic has been active since. However, to date the pathways responsible for the imcTG excess and the mechanisms underlying the imcTG–MIR correlation have not been identified. A current view is focused on a backward mechanism that fatty acid oxidation by muscle is impaired causing imcTG to accumulate and, therefore, an enlarged imcTG pool is merely a marker of MIR. However, based on kinetic studies, it is more likely that imcTG is a source of MIR. On one hand, an enlarged and fast turning over imcTG pool interferes with insulin signaling by producing excess amounts of signaling molecules that activate PKC pathways. On the other hand, it may promote mitochondrial β-oxidation that suppresses glucose metabolism via substrate competition. Therefore, it is hypothesized that imcTG is a source of MIR.
Embedded systems engineering with the AADL: modeling & analysis

The SAE Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL) is an architecture description language for real-time, fault-tolerant, scalable, embedded, modular multiprocessor systems. It enables the development of highly evolvable systems, early and quantitative analyses of a system's architecture, and evolution of an architecture model for continued analysis throughout the lifecycle. In this tutorial, we provide an overview of the AADL; demonstrate the AADL's capabilities in creating and analyzing component-based models of the task and task interaction architectures of embedded software; discuss interfacing to physical devices; highlight AADL capabilities for predictive analyses of operational characteristics such as meeting deadline, response time, and throughput requirements; and describe how the AADL can discover system integration problems early in a development effort.
Oxygen isotopes in chondrules and coarse-grained chondrule rims from the Allende meteorite

The relationship between the porphyritic chondrules and coase-grained chondrule rims of the Allende CV chondrite are examined. The oxygen isotopic compositions of seven chondrule-rim pairs and a large rimless refractory chondrule from Allende are determined. The results suggest that, to account for the O-isotopic compositions of the CV chondrules and rims, three solid precursor components are required: a high-temperature, refractory-, alkali, and (O-16)-rich component; a low-temperature, FeO-rich, refractory, and (O-16)-poor component, and an additional component to explain the composition of BO chondrules.
Electronic interface reconstruction at polar-nonpolar Mott-insulator heterojunctions

We report on a theoretical study of the electronic interface reconstruction (EIR) induced by polarity discontinuity at a heterojunction between a polar and a nonpolar Mott insulator, and of the two-dimensional strongly correlated electron systems (2DSCESs) which accompany the reconstruction. We derive an expression for the minimum number of polar layers required to drive the EIR, and discuss key parameters of the heterojunction system which control 2DSCES properties. The role of strong correlations in enhancing confinement at the interface is emphasized.
Book Review: Sustainable Value: How the World's Leading Companies are Doing Well by Doing Good by Chris Laszlo

Sustainable Value: How the World's Leading Companies are Doing Well by Doing Good, by Chris Laszlo. Stanford, CA, Stanford University Press, 2008. 208pp. ISBN: 978-1-906093-06-8
Effect of Electron Exchange on the Dispersion Relation of Plasmons

A calculation of the influence of electron exchange on the dispersion relation of a high-density electron gas at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is described. The result is compared with those obtained by various authors using different methods.
Light scattering from cells: the contribution of the nucleus and the effects of proliferative status

As part of our ongoing efforts to understand the fundamental nature of light scattering from cells and tissues, we present data on elastic light scattering from isolated mammalian tumor cells and nuclei. The contribution of scattering from internal structures and in particular from the nuclei was compared to scattering from whole cells. Roughly 55% of the elastic light scattering at high-angles (> 40 degrees) comes from intracellular structures. An upper limit of 40% on the fractional contribution of nuclei to scattering from cells in tissue was determined. Using cell suspensions isolated from monolayer cultures at different stages of growth, we have also found that scattering at angles greater than about 110 degrees was correlated with the DNA content of the cells. Based on model calculations and the relative size difference of nuclei from cells in different stages of growth, we argue that this difference in scattering results from changes in the internal structures of the nucleus. This interpretation is consistent with our estimate of 0.2 micron as the mean size of the scattering centers in cells. Additionally, we find that while scattering from the nucleus accounts for a majority of internal scattering, a significant portion must result from scattering off of cytoplasmic structures such as mitochondria.
Local epitaxial growth of CuO films on MgO.

We have investigated the structure of molecular-beam-epitaxy-grown CuO thin films on MgO substrates using reflection high-energy electron diffraction, x-ray diffraction, and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). The results show that CuO(111) planes grow parallel to (001)MgO planes. Three main in-plane epitaxial relations are observed: [1\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}10]CuO\ensuremath{\parallel}[110]MgO, [01\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}1]CuO\ensuremath{\parallel}[110]MgO, and [101\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}]CuO\ensuremath{\parallel}[100]MgO. Close to the interface, strains related to the matching conditions imposed by the substrate affect both symmetry and lattice constants of the monoclinic CuO structure. Cross-sectional HREM shows that the exact epitaxial orientation is only partially preserved as the film thickness increases. The loss of in-plane epitaxy is affected by a poor matching of lattice spacings and by misorientations between planes of both crystals, which join at the interface. We investigate the relative orientations between both crystals on the basis of a mapping technique developed for the epitaxy of the axial-commensurate system. The results show that all the experimentally observed epitaxial orientations are successfully predicted by this technique.
Redox dynamics during recovery of an oil-impacted estuarine wetland

Abstract Redox potentials and sediment porewater parameters were measured around the periphery of a small cove along the San Jacinto River in Texas throughout a crude oil and chemical dispersant remediation study to distinguish normal dynamics from those caused as a response to stress from oil deposition and chemical treatment and subsequent recovery. Before the application of oil and treatments, sediments displayed average redox potentials of 0–350 mV when not submerged. Within 2 days of the applications, redox potentials in these plots decreased and exhibited a range from −200 to 0 mV for a duration of 5 weeks. Applied treatments significantly reduced the sediments of the wetland. Reduced redox potentials were indicative of the corresponding sulfate reduction that was also found to be significant following the oil application. GC/MS and MPN analysis indicates this reduction is due to biological oxidation of the crude oil components by alkane- and PAH-degraders in these surficial sediments and validates the usefulness of the redox measurement as an indicator for carbon oxidation. Increases in aqueous phase total organic and inorganic carbon coincided with a decrease in pH shortly after the applications, suggesting incomplete mineralization and the generation of organic acids. While dissolved ferrous iron and sulfide have been found to be good indicators of reductive processes in petroleum-contaminated aquifer sediments; that was not the case in this wetland study. Despite the disappearance of sulfate following the oil application, dissolved ferrous iron and sulfide concentrations remained at pre-application levels suggesting the formation of mackinawite and/or pyrite. The transient exposure of surface sediments to oxygen complicates the consideration of potential solid phase pathways since aqueous iron may be removed by precipitation when oxidized or reduced, making porewater iron a poor indicator for terminal electron accepting processes in wetland sediments.
Probability summation model for heterochromatic luminance additivity failure at absolute visual threshold

Vos and Wabraven recently derived a new set of foveal primaries. These primaries, in conjunction with the revised zone fluctuation theory of color vision, account for more psychophysical color vision data than any other model to date. The new primaries depend heavily on Abney’s law, and their success has been challenged by Guth’s observations of additivity failure at absolute threshold. The present paper develops a probability summation model which accounts for threshold additivity failure within the framework of Vos’s and Walraven’s assumptions.
Implementing Marketing Strategies: Developing and Testing a Managerial Theory

Implementation pervades strategic performance. It is a critical link between the formulation of marketing strategies and the achievement of superior organizational performance. Research conducted i...
Housing market segmentation and hedonic prediction accuracy

Abstract In an earlier paper, Goodman and Thibodeau [Journal of Housing Economics 7 (1998) 121] examined housing market segmentation within metropolitan Dallas using hierarchical models (Hierarchical Linear Models: Applications and Data Analysis Methods, Sage, Newbury Park, 1992) and single-family property transactions over the 1995:1 – 1997:1 periods. Their preliminary results suggested that hierarchical models provide a useful framework for delineating housing submarket boundaries and that the metropolitan Dallas housing market is segmented by the quality of public education (as measured by student performance on standardized tests). This paper examines whether delineating submarkets in the manner proposed by Goodman and Thibodeau improves hedonic estimates of property value. We include two additional housing submarket constructions in our evaluation: one using census tracts and one using zip code districts. Using data for 28,000 single-family transactions for the 1995:1 – 1997:1 period, we estimate hedonic house price equations for most of Dallas County as well as individually for each submarket. The parameters of the hedonic house price equations are estimated using a 90% random sample of transactions. The remaining observations are used to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the alternative housing submarket constructions. The empirical results indicate spatial disaggregation yields significant gains in hedonic prediction accuracy.