cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changing patterns of brain activation during maze learning

Recent research has found that patterns of brain activation involving the frontal cortex during novel task performance change dramatically following practice and repeat performance. Evidence for differential left vs. right frontal lobe activation, respectively, during episodic memory encoding and retrieval has also been reported. To examine these potentially related issues regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured in 15 normal volunteers using positron emission tomography (PET) during the naive and practiced performance of a maze task paradigm. SPM analysis indicated a largely right-sided, frontal lobe activation during naive performance. Following training and practice, performance of the same maze task elicited a more posterior pattern of rCBF activation involving posterior cingulate and precuneus. The change in the pattern of rCBF activation between novel and practiced task conditions agrees with results found in previous studies using repeat task methodology, and indicates that the neural circuitry required for encoding novel task information differs from that required when the same task has become familiar and information is being recalled. The right-sided preponderance of activation during naive performance may relate to task novelty and the spatially-based nature of the stimuli, whereas posterior areas activated during repeat performance are those previously found to be associated with visuospatial memory recall. Activation of these areas, however, does not agree with previously reported findings of left-sided activation during verbal episodic memory encoding and right-sided activation during retrieval, suggesting different neural substrates for verbal and visuospatial processing within memory.
Intramuscular route of progesterone administration increases pregnancy rates during non-downregulated frozen embryo transfer cycles

Objective The optimal route of progesterone (P4) administration in embryo transfer (FET) cycles remains to be determined. The objective of this study is to compare the pregnancy outcomes between intramuscular (IM) and vaginal progesterone (PV) administration for endometrial preparation in non-donor FET cycles.
Moving full circle: A unity model of group work with children

Abstract A 7-session group format based on Native American principles is presented for use with children and adolescents as a comprehensive approach to developing the dimensions of self-esteem, self-determination, body awareness, and self-concept.
Technology and collaboration in informal learning environments: a comparison of community technology initiatives

In response to increasing concerns about the "digital divide" -- the gap between those who benefit from digital technologies and those who don't -- a growing number of community technology initiatives (CTIs) have emerged to realize the potential of digital technologies to underserved community members. Although CTIs share many common goals and procedures, there are also important differences. In this paper, we examine the role of collaborative learning and technology in two CTIs, the Computer Clubhouse (http://www.computerclubhouse.org/) and Committee for Democratization of Information Technologies Sao Paulo (http://www.cdisp.org.br/), and raise issues to be considered in the construction or improvement of effective community technology initiatives.
Forced displacement in Yugoslavia: a meta-analysis of psychological consequences and their moderators.

A meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize what is known about differences in mental health between refugees and nonrefugees from the former Yugoslavia. The analysis focused on moderating effects of a variety of enduring, contextual stressors. Results indicated that refugees suffer significantly more mental health impairment than nonrefugees. The psychological consequences of forced displacement were found to vary significantly as a function of chronic stressors (e.g., locus of displacement and type of accommodation in exile) and were also associated with otherfactors (e.g., degree of war exposure in the nondisplaced groups, participant age, and time of data collection as reflected in year of publication). Implications for the study of refugee mental health are discussed.
Relationship between glycated hemoglobin and circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in African American and Caucasian American men.

Objectives: To examine whether (1) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level (25[OH]D) is a risk factor for hyperglycemia, as assessed by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), in African American men (AAM) and (2) 25(OH)D is a predictor of HbA1c in AAM and Caucasian American men (CAM).Methods: We prospectively assessed 25(OH)D and HbA1c in 1,074 men, outpatients with and without diabetes, at an urban Veteran Administration Medical Center (66.8% AAM, 26.4% CAM, 6% Hispanic, 0.4% Asian, and 0.4% Native American men). Multivariate regression analyzed the determinants of HbA1c after accounting for potential confounders.Results: We found high prevalence of low (< 30 ng/mL) 25(OH)D (81%) and elevated (≥5.7%) HbA1c (53.5%). The 25(OH)D was inversely associated with HbA1c in all men (r = -0.12, P<.001), in AAM (r = -0.11, P = .003), and in CAM (r = -0.15, P = .01). In the entire group the independent determinants of HbA1c included body mass index (BMI), age, 25(OH)D levels, systolic blood pressure (BP), triglycerides, high-density ...
SU-GG-I-40: Scatter Profiles for a 16-Slice CT Scanner with Cylindrical and Anthropomorphic Head and Body Phantoms

Purpose: We sought to validate the stray radiation dose maps provided by CT manufacturers and to investigate the effects of varying phantom composition and shape on these scatter profiles especially as they pertain to shielding requirements. Method and Materials: The standard CTdosimetry cylindrical body phantom was used to validate the published results by the manufacturer. The technique factors used were: 8 × 3 mm detector configuration, 140 kVp, 400mA, 2 second rotation time, and 350 mm FOV. A 150 cc ion chamber at isocenter height and always facing isocenter was used to measure the secondary radiation. The chamber was clamped to a rolling cart and was moved in 50 cm increments around isocenter to cover a grid of 3 m × 4 m. This was repeated for the standard CTdosimetry head phantom, an anthropomorphic head phantom, and an anthropomorphic chest and pelvis phantoms. Results: There was poor agreement between the nominal data obtained for the standard CTdosimetry body phantom and that supplied by the manufacturer especially on the cranial side of the gantry. There was considerable difference between the results from standard CTdosimetry body phantom and the anthropomorphic pelvis phantom, both in magnitude (40% higher on average) and shape of the isodose contour plots. In addition, comparisons between anthropomorphic head and the standard CTdosimetry head phantom will be presented as isodose contour plots in the horizontal plane 100 cm from the floor. Conclusion: There were differences in the scatter magnitude between the manufacturer supplied values and those measured. However, as this information is often used in barrier shielding calculations, these differences were not significant enough to alter shielding requirements for barriers 1.5 meters or further away from isocenter. The manufacturer values tended to be somewhat higher and thus more conservative than those measured.
Constant temperature monitoring: a study of temperature patterns in the postanesthesia care unit.

Patients admitted to the PACU from the operating room exhibit fluctuations in core body temperature during the course of their stay in the PACU. Some patients present with normothermia and experience temperature decreases later in their stay. PACU policy does not dictate that temperatures be measured at a predetermined frequency in the absence of hypothermia; thus, it is possible that hypothermia may not be detected at its onset. The major purpose of this study was to describe the core body temperature patterns of postsurgical patients during the PACU stay. Secondary objectives were to (1) identify at which point in time patients become hypothermic and (2) describe length of stay in patients who develop hypothermia. Hypothermia was defined as a core tympanic temperature of less than 35.5°C. A descriptive design was used using a convenience sample of 150 elective surgical patients over the age of 1 month who were normothermic on admission to the PACU. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Concurrent tympanic and continuous axillary temperatures were monitored for comparison and trend monitoring. Temperatures showed clinically significant decreases into the hypothermic range (
A Model of Design Representation and Synthesis

To represent the increasingly complex designs being produced today, we have developed1 a unified model of design representation that uses three hierarchical, non-isomorphic domains of description that can be coordinated to represent the entire design. Each of these domains contains multiple levels of abstraction; both the domains and the levels are described in detail in this paper. We then show how this model of design representation can be used as a model of design synthesis. It is hoped that this work will lead to a better understanding of design representation and its relationship to the synthesis process.
Exercise training and skeletal muscle inflammation in chronic heart failure: feeling better about fatigue.

The classical definition of “heart failure” (HF) holds that “heart failure occurs when an abnormality of cardiac function causes the heart to fail to pump blood at a rate required by the metabolizing tissues or when the heart can do so only with an elevated pressure” [(1)][1]. However, the
The influence of human respiratory epithelia on Pseudomonas aeruginosa gene expression

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause acute or chronic infections in humans. Little is known about the initial adaptation of P. aeruginosa to host tissues and the factors that determine whether a P. aeruginosa-epithelial cell interaction will manifest as an acute or a chronic infection. To gain insights into the initial phases of P. aeruginosa infections and to identify P. aeruginosa genes regulated in response to respiratory epithelia, we exposed P. aeruginosa to cultured primary differentiated human airway epithelia. We used a P. aeruginosa strain that causes acute damage to the epithelia and a mutant with defects in Type III secretion and in rhamnolipid synthesis. The mutant did not cause rapid damage to epithelia as did the wildtype. We compared the transcriptomes of the P. aeruginosa wildtype and the mutant to each other and to P. aeruginosa grown under other conditions, and we discovered overlapping sets of differentially expressed genes in the wildtype and mutant exposed to epithelia. A recent study reported that exposure of P. aeruginosa to epithelia is characterized by a repression of the bacterial iron-responsive genes. These findings were suggestive of ample iron availability during infection. In contrast, we found that P. aeruginosa shows an iron-starvation response upon exposure to epithelial cells. This observation highlights the importance of the iron starvation response in both acute and chronic infections and suggests opportunities for therapy.
The Yeast V159N Actin Mutant Reveals Roles for Actin Dynamics In Vivo

Actin with a Val 159 to Asn mutation (V159N) forms actin filaments that depolymerize slowly because of a failure to undergo a conformational change after inorganic phosphate release. Here we demonstrate that expression of this actin results in reduced actin dynamics in vivo, and we make use of this property to study the roles of rapid actin filament turnover. Yeast strains expressing the V159N mutant ( act1-159 ) as their only source of actin have larger cortical actin patches and more actin cables than wild-type yeast. Rapid actin dynamics are not essential for cortical actin patch motility or establishment of cell polarity. However, fluid phase endocytosis is defective in act1-159 strains. act1-159 is synthetically lethal with cofilin and profilin mutants, supporting the conclusion that mutations in all of these genes impair the polymerization/ depolymerization cycle. In contrast, act1-159 partially suppresses the temperature sensitivity of a tropomyosin mutant, and the loss of cytoplasmic cables seen in fimbrin, Mdm20p, and tropomyosin null mutants, suggesting filament stabilizing functions for these actin-binding proteins. Analysis of the cables in these double-mutant cells supports a role for fimbrin in organizing cytoplasmic cables and for Mdm20p and tropomyosin in excluding cofilin from the cables.
The criminal responsibility of people with multiple personality disorder

Because multiple personality disorder (MPD) is more frequently diagnosed today than in the past, it is likely that more multiples will plead insanity. The courts are in a state of disarray as to how best to respond to these pleas. This article considers multiples' responsibility on three interpretations of the status of their alters: that they are different people; that they are different personalities; or that they are parts of one complex, deeply divided personality. On all three theories multiples are nonresponsible. Nevertheless, three rare circumstances exist under which multiples should be found guilty. The article concludes by indicating the kinds of issues psychiatry might explore to further assist the law in its analysis of the criminal responsibility of multiples.
Implementing an Evidence-Based Practices Training Curriculum to U.S. Army Child and Family Behavioral Health Providers

Military Children who have experienced multiple deployments of one or both parents are more likely to have emotional and behavioral difficulties compared with their civilian peers (e.g., Chandra et al., 2010). The U.S. Army Medical Command has tasked the Child, Adolescent and Family Behavioral Health Office (CAF-BHO) to develop programs to address the behavioral health (BH) needs of Army Children and Families. This article will describe the efforts of the CAF-BHO Training Section to disseminate and implement an evidence based practice training curriculum for Army Child and Family Behavioral Health Providers. Specifically, this article will detail: (a) the decision making strategy used to identify the training protocol for dissemination, (b) adaptations to the training program and treatment protocol to fit a Military context, and (c) efforts to implement, maximize and sustain utilization of evidence-based practices by Military BH providers over a large geographical area with limited resources.
Medical adherence and childhood chronic illness: family daily management skills and emotional climate as emerging contributors.

Purpose of reviewTo describe recent research that examines family factors that promote or derail adherence to medical regimens for children with chronic health conditions, primarily asthma, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis. From the past 2 years, eight correlational studies were identified which specif
An old chapter and a new chapter [Tried and True]

As you read this column, I am back in graduate school at Kansas State University (KSU) pursuing my Ph.D. full time. Several factors played into my decision to return to university and get my terminal degree: my consulting work had dropped off to zero, and I really have always wanted to teach and do research in the university environment. At the urging of my wife, I called Steve Dyer for advice in late October, 2011 about the feasibility of getting a Ph.D. at my age (I was 55). That phone call turned into an invitation from Steve to attend KSU. My wife and I quickly agreed that it was a good course of action for both of us.
Open versus laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair.

Background: The literature reports the efficacy of the laparoscopic approach to paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair. However, its adoption as the preferred surgical approach and the risks associated with paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair have not been reviewed in a large database. Method: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample dataset was queried from 1998 to 2005 for patients who underwent repair of a complicated (the entire stomach moves into the chest cavity) versus uncomplicated (only the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest) paraesophageal hiatal hernia via the laparoscopic, open abdominal, or open thoracic approach. A multivariate analysis was performed controlling for demographics and comorbidities while looking for independent risk factors for mortality. Results: In total, 23,514 patients met the inclusion criteria. By surgical approach, 55% of patients underwent open abdominal, 35% laparoscopic, and 10% open thoracic repairs. Length of stay was significantly reduced for all patients after laparoscopic repair (P .001). Age 60 years and nonwhite ethnicity were associated with significantly higher odds of death. Laparoscopic repair and obesity were associated with lower odds of death in the uncomplicated group. Conclusion: Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hiatal hernia is associated with a lower mortality in the uncomplicated group. However, older age and Hispanic ethnicity increased the odds of death.
Numerical study of shock-induced combustion in methane-air mixtures

The shock-induced combustion of methane-air mixtures in hypersonic flows is investigated using a new reaction mechanism consisting of 19 reacting species and 52 elementary reactions. This reduced model is derived from a full kinetic mechanism via the Detailed Reduction technique. Zero-dimensional computations of several shock-tube experiments are presented first. The reaction mechanism is then combined with a fully implicit Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code to conduct numerical simulations of two-dimensional and axisymmetric shock-induced combustion experiments of stoichiometric methane-air mixtures at a Mach number of M = 6.61. Applications to the ram accelerator concept are also presented.
Single female-headed families and public social services—Questions for the 80's

Abstract In order to document the increasing “feminization” of poverty, the authors examined the characteristics and presenting problems of single female-headed households receiving public social services, through a secondary analysis of data collected for the U.S. Children's Bureau's National Study of Social Services to Children and Their Families . The findings confirm that poverty—as defined by welfare status and financial need—is indeed the common characteristic of female-headed households receiving public social services. In all, a disproportionate number, 45%, of public social service client households are those headed by women. Generally the female household heads and their children are younger than other household heads and their children. Sixty-two percent are AFDC recipients. Except for a disproportionately greater need for and receipt of financial assistance, the presenting problems of, and services provided to, single female household heads and their children did not differ significantly from those of other household types.
Rare gases from Serra de Magé feldspar

Abstract The noble gases He, Ne, Ar, and Xe were measured in a plagioclase concentrate separated from Serra de Mage. A mean apparent radiation age of 2.5 Myr was obtained by combining earlier and the present work. The concentration of excess 136Xe, presumably from the decay of 244Pu, was found to be 2.34×10−12 cm3 STP/g.
Continuous on-line monitoring of left ventricular function with a new nonimaging detector:validation and clinical use in the evaluation of patients post angioplasty.

A new miniaturized nonimaging radionuclide detector (Cardioscint, Oxford, England) was evaluated for the continuous on-line assessment of left ventricular function. This cesium iodide probe can be placed on the patient's chest and can be interfaced to an IBM compatible personal computer conveniently placed at the patient's bedside. This system can provide a beat-to-beat or gated determination of left ventricular ejection fraction and ST segment analysis. In 28 patients this miniaturized probe was correlated against a high resolution gamma camera study. Over a wide range of ejection fraction (31% to 76%) in patients with and without regional wall motion abnormalities, the correlation between the Cardioscint detector and the gamma camera was excellent (r = 0.94, SEE ± 2.1). This detector system has high temporal (10 msec) resolution, and comparison of peak filling rate (PFR) and time to peak filling (TPFR) also showed close agreement with the gamma camera (PFR, r = 0.94, SEE ± 0.17; TPFR, r = 0.92, SEE ± 6.8). In 18 patients on bed rest the long-term stability of this system for measuring, ejection fraction and ST segments was verified. During the monitoring period (108 ± 28 minutes) only minor changes in ejection fraction occurred (coefficient of variation 0.035 ± 0.016) and ST segment analysis showed no significant change from baseline. To determine whether continuous on-line measurement of ejection fraction would be useful after coronary angioplasty, 12 patients who had undergone a successful procedure were evaluated for 280 ± 35 minutes with the Cardioscint system. While the majority of patients showed no significant changes in ejection fraction or ST segments, four patients demonstrated substantial changes in ejection fraction. In two of these patients there was significant improvement in left ventricular function that occurred early after angioplasty and correlated with radionuclide angiograms at follow-up. One patient had two episodes of transient ischemia assessed by ejection fraction monitoring, one with and one without symptoms suggesting coronary spasm. The fourth patient demonstrated improvement in ejection fraction that over the course of the monitoring period returned to baseline with worsening ST segments. On follow-up angiogram the patient had an occlusion of the vessel that was dilated. The miniaturized detector system can be used to provide an accurate on-line continuous assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction. Particularly in the unstable cardiac patient, this system may be useful in monitoring therapy and in determining the effects of acute interventions.
In-Season Prediction of Corn Yield Using Plant Height under Major Production Systems

The relationship between corn (Zea mays L.) yield and plant height has been poorly documented in major corn production systems. This study was conducted to assess the relationship of corn yield with plant height under four major corn production systems at Milan, TN from 2008 through 2010. Six N treatments at rates of 0, 62, 123, 185, 247, and 308 kg N ha -1 with four replications were evaluated in a randomized complete block design in the following corn production systems: nonirrigated corn after corn, nonirrigated corn after soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], nonirrigated corn after cotton [Gossypium hirsutum (L.)], and irrigated corn after soybean. The regression of corn yield with plant height was significant and positive at 6-leaf growth stage (V6), 10-leaf growth stage (V10), and 12-leaf growth stage (V12), and mostly became stronger as plant growth progressed from V6 to V10 and to V12 under an exponential model in the four corn production systems for all 3 yr. In general, corn yield was strongly related with plant height measurements made at V10 and V12. Factors affecting the responses of plant height measured at V6, V10, and V12 or/and yield to the N treatments may have contributed to the variations of determination coeffient (R 2 ) values across years. In conclusion, corn yield may be predicted with plant height measurements collected during V10 to V12. This prediction provides a physiological basis for the utilization of high resolution plant height measurements to guide variable-rate N applications within the field on corn at around V10 and to more accurately estimate yield for earlier grain marketing purposes.
Pilot-scale subcritical water remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon- and pesticide-contaminated soil.

Subcritical water (hot water under enough pressure to maintain the liquid state) was used to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides from highly contaminated soils. Laboratory-scale (8 g of soil) experiments were used to determine conditions for the pilot-scale (8 kg of soil) extractions. Pilot-scale remediations of a PAH-contaminated manufactured gas plant soil (2200 ppm total PAHs ranging from naphthalene to benzo[ghi]perylene) with 275 °C water reduced all low and high molecular weight PAHs to below detectable levels (<0.5 ppm) in as little as 35 min. In contrast, removals of higher molecular weight (mutagenic) PAHs were much poorer with either bioremediation for 1 year or supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Subcritical water extraction at 250 °C of 8 kg of soil contaminated with 70−400 mg/kg levels each of trifluralin, atrazine, cyanazine, pendimethalin, alachlor, and metolachlor also removed all pesticides to below detection limits. While neither the PAH- or pesticide-conta...
Soluble RAGE: Therapy and biomarker in unraveling the RAGE axis in chronic disease and aging

The multi-ligand Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE) is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic diseases such as diabetes and immune/inflammatory disorders. Recent studies are uncovering the precise mechanisms by which distinct RAGE ligands bind the extracellular (soluble) domain of the receptor at the V-, C1- and/or C2-immunoglobulin like domains. Experiments using soluble RAGE in animals as a ligand decoy have illustrated largely beneficial effects in reducing vascular and inflammatory stress and, thereby, preventing long-term tissue damage in models of diabetes and immune/inflammatory disorders. Measurement of soluble RAGE levels in the human, both "total" soluble RAGE and a splice variant-derived product known as endogenous secretory or esRAGE, holds promise for the identification of potential therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers of RAGE activity in disease. In this article, we review the evidence from the rodent to the human implicating RAGE in the diverse disease states in which its ligands accumulate.
Applications of electrosorptive detection in ion chromatography

Illustrative applications to simulated and real-world samples are presented for electrosorptive detection in ion chromatography. Detection is demonstrated at both mercury and silver surfaces utilizing changes in double-layer capacitance as the primary means of detection. Strategies for dealing with the gradual fouling of the solid electrode are briefly discussed.
Current status of infraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization.

Abstract Review of the English literature on infraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization uncovered nineteen different kinds of associated complications. The complication rate ranged from 0.4 to 9.9%. There were 15 deaths directly attributable to the procedure, including 1 added by the author. It is recommended that the technique be employed only when clearly indicated and when the surgeon possesses the necessary skill, intimate knowledge of the infraclavicular anatomy, and rigid discipline to adhere to the details of cannulation.
Factors associated with the severity and improvement of fatigue in patients with advanced cancer presenting to an outpatient palliative care clinic

The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with the severity of cancer related fatigue (CRF) and predictors of improvement of CRF at the first follow-up visit in patients with advanced cancer referred to outpatient palliative care clinic (OPC). We reviewed the records of consecutive patients with advanced cancer presenting to OPC. Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores were obtained at the initial and subsequent visits between January 2003 and December 2008. All patients received interdisciplinary care led by palliative medicine specialists following an institutional protocol. Fatigue improvement was defined as a reduction of ≥2 points in ESAS score relative to the baseline. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characterstics. Univariate analyses were performed and only significant variables were included in multivariate regression analysis to determine factors associated with severity and improvement in CRF. A total of 1778 evaluable patients were analyzed (median age, 59 years; 52% male). The median time between visits was 15 days. Median fatigue scores on the ESAS were 6 at baseline and 5 at follow-up. Severity of all ESAS items and low serum albumin were associated with fatigue at baseline (p < 0.0001). The improvement of fatigue was observed in 586 patients (33%). The hierarchical model showed that fatigue improved over time (b = −0.009; p = 0.0009). low appetite (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09 per point; p = 0.0113) and genitourinary cancer (OR = 1.74 per point; p = 0.0458) were significantly associated with improvement of fatigue. CRF is strongly associated with physical and emotional symptoms. Genitourinary cancer and low appetite at baseline were associated with successful improvement of fatigue.
Rat diaphragm mitochondria have lower intrinsic respiratory rates than mitochondria in limb muscles

The mitochondrial content of skeletal muscles is proportional to activity level, with the assumption that intrinsic mitochondrial function is the same in all muscles. This may not hold true for all muscles. For example, the diaphragm is a constantly active muscle; it is possible that its mitochondria are intrinsically different compared with other muscles. This study tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial respiration rates are greater in the diaphragm compared with triceps surae (TS, a limb muscle). We isolated mitochondria from diaphragm and TS of adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Mitochondrial respiration was measured by polarography. The contents of respiratory complexes, uncoupling proteins 1, 2, and 3 (UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3), and voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) were determined by immunoblotting. Complex IV activity was measured by spectrophotometry. Mitochondrial respiration states 3 (substrate and ADP driven) and 5 (uncoupled) were 27 ± 8% and 24 ± 10%, respectively, lower in diaphragm than in TS (P < 0.05 for both comparisons). However, the contents of respiratory complexes III, IV, and V, UCP1, and VDAC1 were higher in diaphragm mitochondria (23 ± 6, 30 ± 8, 25 ± 8, 36 ± 15, and 18 ± 8% respectively, P ≤ 0.04 for all comparisons). Complex IV activity was 64 ± 16% higher in diaphragm mitochondria (P ≤ 0.01). Mitochondrial UCP2 and UCP3 content and complex I activity were not different between TS and diaphragm. These data indicate that diaphragm mitochondria respire at lower rates, despite a higher content of respiratory complexes. The results invalidate our initial hypothesis and indicate that mitochondrial content is not the only determinant of aerobic capacity in the diaphragm. We propose that UCP1 and VDAC1 play a role in regulating diaphragm aerobic capacity.
Searching for long-lived gluinos

Abstract Precision testing of QCD for high energy production of jets may be the best way to investigate the possibility of long-lived gluinos having masses up to of order 30 GeV or higher. While the magnitude of their effect would be larger in p p collisions than in Z0 decays, the latter may be the more promising method for gluino masses less than ∼ 20–25 GeV.
Decreasing door-to-balloon times via a streamlined referral protocol for patients requiring transport

Purposes The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a streamlined interfacility referral protocol in reducing door-to-balloon (D2B) times for patients experiencing acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Evaluation of 22 genetic variants with Crohn's Disease risk in the Ashkenazi Jewish population: a case-control study

Background Crohn's disease (CD) has the highest prevalence among individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) descent compared to non-Jewish Caucasian populations (NJ). We evaluated a set of well-established CD-susceptibility variants to determine if they can explain the increased CD risk in the AJ population.
Growth of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 single crystals using MgO crucibles

Abstract We describe a method for growing large high quality single crystals of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ by slow cooling nearly stoichiometric melts in the presence of a large thermal gradient. Magnesia crucibles are found to be far less reactive with the melt than alumina. This low reactivity allows for precise control of the melt starting composition. Crystals resulting from a variety of starting compositions are found to satisfy the formula Bi2.12(Sr1−χCax)2.83Cu2.05O8+δ, where x varies from 0.25 to 0.41 .The narrowness of their magnetic superconducting transitions indicates that these crystals are of very high quality.
The Administrative Information Center—two years later

The Administrative Information Center (AIC) has been very successful on the UC Berkeley campus since its creation in 1984. In the past two years (since we formed the AIC and since we made our first information center presentation at SIGUCCS), the AIC has undergone some changes which have contributed to its success. Some changes we have made to improve AIC services and some positive trends we have experienced are listed below.
Linear rank tests of uniformity: understanding inconsistent outcomes and the construction of new tests

Several nonparametric tests exist to test for differences among alternatives when using ranked data. Testing for differences among alternatives amounts to testing for uniformity over the set of possible permutations of the alternatives. Well-known tests of uniformity, such as the Friedman test or the Anderson test, are based on the impact of the usual limiting theorems (e.g. central limit theorem) and the results of different summary statistics (e.g. mean ranks, marginals, and pairwise ranks). Inconsistencies can occur among statistical tests’ outcomes – different statistical tests can yield different outcomes when applied to the same ranked data. In this paper, we describe a conceptual framework that naturally decomposes the underlying ranked data space. Using the framework, we explain why test results can differ and how their differences are related. In practice, one may choose a test based on the power or the structure of the ranked data. We discuss the implications of these choices and illustrate that...
On gyrotropic chiral sculptured thin films for magneto-optics

Summary The planewave response of a chiral sculptured thin film with gyrotropic properties is examined, under the assumption of axial excitation. Although the reflectances and the transmittances are definitely affected by gyrotropy, the circular Bragg phenomenon is still exhibited. Most importantly, structural chirality and gyrotropy contribute cooperatively to transmission optical rotation.
A new nonextensible (16, 24, 9, 6, 3)-design

Abstract A balanced incomplete block design with parameters (16, 24, 9, 6, 3) is described in which every pair of blocks intersects in at most three varieties. However, the design cannot be extended to a symmetric design with parameters (25, 25, 9, 9, 3).
Teaching Note: Reflections of a Transgender Medievalist

I am a gender-bending lesbian who teaches Beowulf at a business university. In this piece, I reflect on an incident that reminds me I have little control over where and when my identity becomes more or less prominent for my students. Because the incident took me by surprise, I failed to capitalize on a teachable moment; this piece is my attempt at making sense of that failure.
On the representation of coupled adiabatic potential energy surfaces using quasi-diabatic Hamiltonians: description of accidental seams of conical intersection

The ability to describe seams of conical intersection that couple adiabatic potential energy surfaces is a key issue in describing nonadiabatic processes. This work considers the description of these seams provided by a recently introduced description of coupled adiabatic states using a coupled quasi-diabatic state Hamiltonian, H d, whose matrix elements are polynomials in the internal coordinates. The conical intersection seam is represented in intersection adapted coordinates. Using the seam of accidental conical intersection of the 1,21A states of NH3 as an example the ability of the proposed algorithm to describe a seam of conical intersection in its full dimensionality is demonstrated. The success of this description is attributable to the use of orthogonal intersection adapted coordinates and to the Lagrange multiplier constraints in our algorithm which enables us to require the locus, energies and local topography of selected points on the H d determined seam of intersection to agree exactly with t...
Speech Disruptions in Relation to Language Growth in Children Who Stutter: An Exploratory Study.

Abstract Young children with typical fluency demonstrate a range of disfluencies, or speech disruptions. One type of disruption, revision, appears to increase in frequency as syntactic skills develop. To date, this phenomenon has not been studied in children who stutter (CWS). Rispoli, Hadley, and Holt (2008) suggest a schema for categorizing speech disruptions in terms of revisions and stalls. The purpose of this exploratory study was to use this schema to evaluate whether CWS show a pattern over time in their production of stuttering, revisions, and stalls. Nine CWS, ages 2;1 to 4;11, participated in the study, producing language samples each month for 10 months. MLU and vocd analyses were performed for samples across three time periods. Active declarative sentences within these samples were examined for the presence of disruptions. Results indicated that the proportion of sentences containing revisions increased over time, but proportions for stalls and stuttering did not. Visual inspection revealed that more stuttering and stalls occurred on longer utterances than on shorter utterances. Upon examination of individual children's language, it appears two-thirds of the children showed a pattern in which, as MLU increased, revisions increased as well. Findings are similar to studies of children with typical fluency, suggesting that, despite the fact that CWS display more (and different) disfluencies relative to typically fluent peers, revisions appear to increase over time and correspond to increases in MLU, just as is the case with peers. Educational objectives The reader will be able to: (1) describe the three types of speech disruptions assessed in this article; (2) compare present findings of disruptions in children who stutter to findings of previous research with children who are typically fluent; and (3) discuss future directions in this area of research, given the findings and implications of this study.
Photo‐induced polymerization of methyl acrylate vapors on prewetted polyamide and polyester fibers

Photo-induced polymerization of methyl acrylate vapors on polyamide and polyester fibers occurred when these fibers were wetted with the polar solvents methanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, or dimethyl sulfoxide (neat or in aqueous solution). Polymer grafting was accompanied by homopolymer formation, with the amount of grafting and ratio of grafting to homopolymerization being dependent on the fiber type, the solvent used to wet the fiber, and the amount of water present in the wetting solution. Overall deposition of polymer was higher on polyamide than on polyester under all wetting conditions. Water present in the wetting agent had a limited effect on polymerization of poly(methyl acrylate) on polyamide, whereas water caused a rapid decrease in polymerization on polyester. The nature of polymer grafting on the fibers under various wetting conditions was examined by scanning electron microscopy and tensile property measurements, and the mode of polymer deposition was outlined in light of our findings.
Error correction in images using overcomplete pyramid representations

The Burt pyramid was developed as a means of decomposing images into multiscale representations. Unlike the wavelet transforms, which are complete orthonormal transformations, the pyramid transforms are overcomplete like frames. In addition, the Burt pyramid has an exact reconstruction rule. This paper first examines the consequences of that redundancy and exact reconstruction. Even though the pyramids are not strictly frames, the pyramids are characterized in much the same way as frames. The issue of error detection is addressed next, followed by the development of an error correction algorithm. This leads to a 10 dB noise reduction in addition to the reduction inherent to reconstruction of frames. Examples are given to show the performance for different types of noise.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
MULTIELEMENT ANALYSIS BY NEUTRON ACTIVATION OF TISSUES FROM SWINE ADMINISTERED COPPER SUPPLEMENTED DIETS

Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used to determine Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se and Zn in tissues from swine fed copper supplemented diets.
Alphabetical Effects on Political Careers

AbstractPersonal names have important consequences for many life outcomes, but their influence on political success is relatively unexplored. Yet widespread biases towards outcomes early in the alphabet and the propensity for some seniority lists (such as those in the United States House of Representatives) to privilege alphabetical position when politicians assume office simultaneously suggest that alphabetically early surnames may promote electoral success. Examining American governors and members of the federal Congress reveals that prominent elected politicians are, on average, earlier alphabetically than their average constituent. Furthermore, members of the House of Representatives are more likely to assume party leadership positions when they are earlier in alphabetical order, whereas members of the Senate (where alphabetical position plays no role in determining seniority) show no such relationship.
Simple magma supply geometry inferred beneath a segment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

The petrological characteristics of axial basalts along the global mid-ocean ridge system shed light on the processes of magma supply involved in the formation of ocean crust. Several models of magma supply1–4 predict regular patterns of chemical variation along the strike of mid-ocean ridge axes. Here we present chemical data from closely spaced samples of axial basalts from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, between the Rio Grande and Moore fracture zones at ∼26° S. This segment of the ridge is far from active hotspots and erupts normal mid-ocean-ridge basalt. The samples show regular patterns of chemical variation along the ridge axis, indicating systematic and correlated differences in depth and extent of partial melting and extent of shallow fractionation. These patterns support the existence of a deep central supply system but preclude along-axis melt migration and the presence of large well-mixed chambers below this segment of the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
New conceptualization and solution approach for the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST).

Despite the widespread use of the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) to predict competitive adsorption of hydrophobic organic compounds from aqueous solutions, the underlying principles of the m...
Visual system of calliphorid flies: motion- and orientation-sensitive visual interneurons supplying dorsal optic glomeruli.

Intracellular recordings accompanied by dye fills were made from neurons associated with optic glomeruli in the lateral protocerebrum of the brain of the blowfly Phaenicia sericata. The present account describes the morphology of these cells and their electrophysiological responses to oriented bar motion. The most dorsal glomeruli are each supplied by retinotopic efferent neurons that have restricted dendritic fields in the lobula and lobula plate of the optic lobes. Each of these lobula complex cells represents a morphologically identified type of neuron arranged as an ensemble that subtends the entire monocular visual field. Of the four recorded and filled efferent types, three were broadly tuned to the orientation of bar stimuli. At the level of optic glomeruli a relay neuron extending centrally from optic foci and a local interneuron that arborizes among glomeruli showed narrow tuning to oriented bar motion. The present results are discussed with respect to the behavioral significance of oriented motion discrimination by flies and other insects, and with respect to neuroanatomical data demonstrating the organization of deep visual neuropils. J. Comp. Neurol. 500:189–208, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Entropy and Image Compression

Abstract This paper deals with a number of issues which can ultimately be used for development of effective algorithms for lossless compression of digitized images. The issues discussed are: (1) What are the different types of entropies? (2) How effective are the existing compression algorithms as compared to the entropy of images? (3) How can the entropy of an image be reduced, and how does it affect the compression ratio of each algorithm? (4) How could this information be used to develop more effective compression algorithms? Analytical experiments are used to assist in analysis of the above issues.
Elevated basic fibroblast growth factor levels in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Study objectives: Cellular growth in the vascular wall, including endothelial and smooth-muscle cell proliferation, is recognized as a component of the obstructive vasculopathy observed in the small vessels of the lungs in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We hypothesized that angiogenic growth factors may have a role in the molecular mechanisms underlying this cellular proliferation. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Multicenter, tertiary care hospitals. Participants: We studied 117 patients with PAH and 60 control subjects. Measurements: We measured levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the blood and urine of these subjects using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: Median levels of urinary and plasma bFGF were significantly higher in patients with PAH compared to normal control subjects. There was a difference in levels of urine and plasma bFGF according to etiology of pulmonary hypertension, with the highest levels seen in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. Levels of urine or plasma VEGF were not significantly different between patients and control subjects. Conclusion: Patients with PAH have substantial alterations in urine and plasma levels of bFGF. This molecule may have a role as a mitogenic factor in the endothelial and smooth-muscle cell proliferation seen in PAH.
Minimizing the average cost of paging and registration: a timer-based method

Methods of balancing call registration and paging are developed in this paper. Given that the probability distribution on the user location as a function of time is either known or can be calculated, previous work shows the existence of lower bounds on the average cost of paging. Here these bounds are used in conjunction with a Poisson incoming-call arrival model to formulate the paging/registration optimization problem in terms of timeout parameters, $\tau _m$; the maximum amount of time to wait before registering given the last known location was $\tau _m$. Timer-based methods, as opposed to location-based methods, do not require the user to record and process location information during the time between location updates. This feature might be desirable for minimizing mobile transceiver use during idle periods. We then consider uniform motion processes where a spatial translation of starting location produces an identical spatial translation of the associated time-varying probability distribution. This leads to a universal timeout parameter $\tau $ which may be readily calculated. We study $\tau $ and the minimum cost of paging/registration for a simple model of user motion and compare our results to an earlier method of location-based paging/registration cost minimization.