cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic characteristics associated with substance use status in a trauma inpatient population.

Abstract Substance use is significantly associated with physical injury, yet relatively little is known about the prevalence of specific substance use disorders among trauma patients, or their associated sociodemographic characteristics. We evaluated these issues in an unselected sample of 1,118 adult inpatients at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD, who were interviewed with the psychoactive substance use disorder section of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. Among trauma inpatients, lifetime alcohol users (71.8% of subjects) were more likely male; users of illegal drugs (45.3%) were also more likely to be younger, unmarried, and poor. Patients with current drug abuse/dependence (18.8%) were more likely to be non-white, less educated, and poor; those with current alcohol abuse/dependence (32.1%) were also more likely male, unmarried, and older. These findings highlight the need for screening for substance use disorders in trauma settings and referral of patients t...
Nuclear localization of poly(A)+ mRNA following siRNA reduction of expression of the mammalian RNA helicases UAP56 and URH49

UAP56 is a eukaryotic RNA helicase that is important for mRNA splicing and nuclear export. Although most eukaryotes have a single protein corresponding to UAP56, we have shown previously that in human and mouse cells there is a second protein, URH49, which is 90% identical to UAP56. Both proteins interact with the mRNA export factor Aly and both are able to rescue the loss of Sub2p (the yeast homolog of UAP56), suggesting that both proteins have similar functions. However, the two helicases have different expression profiles in different tissues and in growth-stimulated cells, which raises the possibility that they might be involved in the splicing and export of non-identical populations of mRNA. In the present study, we have used RNA interference to further explore the functions of these two helicases. Reducing the expression of either URH49 or UAP56 in HeLa cells had little effect on cell proliferation or expression of a co-transfected gene. However, analysis of poly(A)+ RNA localization by fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed a speckled pattern of RNA accumulation throughout the nucleus. Reducing the expression of both helicases resulted in a major reduction in reporter gene expression as well as cell death within 72 h. We also observed a more prominent speckled pattern of nuclear poly(A)+ RNA accumulation as well as reduced accumulation in the cytoplasmic compartment. These observations suggest that both helicases have essential but largely overlapping functions in the processing and export of mammalian mRNAs.
Primary adnexal adenocarcinoma of the vulva: A diagnosis of exclusion based on location, immunohistochemistry, and pattern of spread.

Carcinomas of the vulva are a relatively common gynecologic malignancy of the female genital tract and represent 3–5% of all diagnosed female genital malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma comprises 90% of these tumors (Canavan and Cohen, 2002). Primary vulvar glandular neoplasms, on the other hand are rare, accounting for 1% of all malignant neoplasms of the vulva. Most of them are associated with extra-mammary Paget's disease (Doley et al., 2001). Vulvar adenocarcinomas may originate from adnexal structures, mammary-like glands, vestibular glands, and Bartholin's glands. More common neoplasms include papillary hidradenomas, Bartholin's carcinoma, and Paget's disease of the vulva. Adnexal adenocarcinomas of the vulva are exceedingly rare, accounting for less than 0.1% of all vulvar carcinomas and as a result the literature is limited. The diagnosis of primary vulvar adenocarcinoma remains difficult for pathologists and clinicians. We report a primary vulvar adenocarcinoma of adnexal origin and discuss the diagnosis as well as the treatment of this unusual and uncommon neoplasm.
Color composite pictures from principal axis components of multispectral scanner data

When principal axis transformations are applied to multispectral scanner (MSS) data, the majority of data variability is shown to be contained in the first two or three components. This paper describes a method for generating a color composite picture from these components whereby most of the information collected by an MSS can be conveyed in a single color picture. The first component is found to be a weighted sum of image data from all channels, and therefore it is natural to associate the first component with brightness. To be consistent with this interpretation, only the first component of the transformed data is used to control the brightness of the color composite picture.
Small business finance in Sub‐Saharan Africa: the case of Ghana

Purpose – This paper aims to examine how unlisted companies in Ghana finance their growth and to what extent do they rely on internal finance relative to external sources of finance. Additionally, the paper seeks to investigate the determinants of the capital structure of unlisted companies in Ghana.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the Singh‐Hamid methodology as well as panel data techniques to evaluate the financing decisions of unlisted companies in Ghana.Findings – The analysis shows that unlisted firms in Ghana finance most of their growth from external debt and they are also characterized by shorter debt maturity. The results also show that the dominant factors affecting the debt equity ratios of unlisted firms in Ghana are size, firm growth, tangibility, profit margin, and financial development.Research limitations/implications – Overall, the evidence in this paper suggests that standard models of corporate finance can be applicable to unlisted companies in Ghana.Practical implications –...
Bayesian Estimation of Population Size via Capture-Recapture Model with Time Variation and Behavioral Response

We consider the problem of population estimation using capture-recapture data, where capture probabilities can vary between sampling occasions and behavioural responses. The original model is not identifiable without further restrictions. The novelty of this article is to expand the current research practice by developing a hierarchical Bayesian approach with the assumption that the odds of recapture bears a constant relationship to the odds of initial capture. A real-data example of deer mice population is given to illustrate the proposed method. Three simulation studies are developed to inspect the performance of the proposed Bayesian estimates. Compared with the maximum likelihood estimates discussed in Chao et al. (2000), the hierarchical Bayesian estimate provides reasonably better population estimation with less mean square error; moreover, it is sturdy to underline relationship between the initial and re-capture probabilities. The sensitivity study shows that the proposed Bayesian approach is robust to the choice of hyper-parameters. The third simulation study reveals that both relative bias and relative RMSE approach zero as population size increases. A R-package is developed and used in both data example and simulation.
Thermodynamic Studies of the Core Histones: pH and Ionic Strength Effects on the Stability of the (H3−H4)/(H3−H4)2 System†

The self-associative behavior and the thermal stability of the H3/H4 histone complex was studied in low-ionic strength conditions by several physicochemical techniques, including differential scann...
Excitation of heliumlike ions by electron impact

Five-state close-coupling equations for electron--heliumlike-ion scattering are solved in the energy region from near threshold to five times threshold energy. Collision strengths for excitation of the ground state to the n=2 states (2 /sup 3/S, 2 /sup 1/S, 2 /sup 3/P/sup ts0/, and 2 /sup 1/P/sup ts0/) are presented for Li II, C V, O VII, and Si XIII. Fair quantitative agreement is obtained with the measurements of Rogers et al. for ..cap omega.. (1 /sup 1/S, 2 /sup 3/P/sup ts0/) for Li II. Rate coefficients are given in parametrized form.
Characterization of Restriction-Modification Plasmids from Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris and Their EffectsWhen Combined with pTR2030

Abstract Three different restriction-modification plasmids (pTRK12, pTRK30, pTRK317) were isolated from an industrial starter strain, Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris TDM1. A lactose-fermenting transconjugant, Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis NCK40, was isolated from matings between L. lactis ssp. cremoris TDM1 and a plasmid-free recipient. The NCK40 transconjugant contained a 100-kb self-transmissible plasmid (pTRK11) encoding for restriction-modification and a 13.5-kb plasmid (pTRK10) encoding proteolytic activity. Following isolation of lactosenegative derivatives from NCK40, a 30.5-kb plasmid, pTRK12, was identified that encoded proteolytic and restriction-modification of the identical specificity as pTRK11. Restriction analyses and hybridization experiments indicated that pTRK12 contained sequences from pTRK11 and all of pTRK10. Cotransformation of tatal plasmid DNA from L. lactis ssp. cremoris TDM1 with vector pVS2 identified two other restriction-modification plasmids, pTRK30 (28.0kb) and pTRK317 (15.5kb). Efficiencies of plaquing for phage c2 on restriction-modification transconjugants and transformants was 10 –2 to 10 –4 . The specificity of restriction-modification activities conferred by each of the three plasmids was different. When the abortive infection plasmid pTR2030 was combined with pTRK30, both phage inhibition phenotypes were expressed. However, when pTR2030 was combined with pTRK12, the abortive infection phenotype was not fully expressed. Significant cell death occurred when abortive infection cells containing only pTR2030 were infected with phage. Combining the restriction-modification system of p-0 with pTR2030 significantly improved cell survival following phage infection. Operation of restriction-modification systems in conjunction with the abortive defense mechanism maximized cell survival. The data suggest that cell death is minimized when the lytic cycle is halted by restriction before abortive infection responses induce phage abortion and kill the cell.
Family History and Risk of Osteoporotic Fracture

The importance of family history of fractures as a risk factor for fractures is unclear. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that family history of fracture increased a woman's risk of hip, wrist and other osteoporotic fracture and determine whether the influence of family history is independent of low bone density. We tested this hypothesis in a prospective study of 9704 Caucasian women, age 65 years or older, by assessing family history and bone density of the radius and calcaneus at baseline; 7963 women had femoral bone density measurements two years later. Fractures occurring during an average of 7.1 years of follow-up since baseline and 5.2 years since the second examination were confirmed by radiographic report. After adjusting for age, risk of hip fracture was increased in those with a maternal (1.48; 95% CI = 1.03-2.11); sister's (1.83; 1.20-2.80) or brother's history of hip fracture (2.26; 1.16-4.42). Risk of wrist fracture was increased by maternal (1.52; 1.10-2.11) and paternal (2.41; 1.14-5.07) history of wrist fracture. Adjustment for bone density did not consistently and substantially affect the strength of the associations. Family history of hip fracture was not associated with an increased risk of wrist fracture and family history of wrist fracture did not increase the risk of hip fracture. We conclude that family history is an important risk factor for fracture that may act, at least in part, through means besides bone density. Furthermore, the effect of family history is not a general but site-specific predisposition to fracture.
Evidence‐based Review of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Chronic Kidney Disease Patient

Patients with end-stage renal disease are more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) problems, including bleeding from upper and lower sources. Peptic ulcer disease is the most common cause of upper GI bleeding, and although there is some debate in the literature regarding whether the frequency of ulcer disease is higher in patients with kidney disease, it is well established that outcomes are worse in patients with compromised renal function. Angioectasias can be found throughout the GI tract and are another common cause of bleeding; management can be divided into localized endoscopic therapy and systemic hormonal treatment, or surgery for refractory cases. The most frequent causes of lower GI bleeding in this population, in addition to angioectasias, are diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, and ischemic colitis.
Rescue of embryonic cells homozygous for a lethal haplotype of the T/t complex: tw12.

Abstract A series of recessive mutations which arrest embryonic development are located within the T/t region of chromosome 17 in the mouse. To assess whether these mutations cause death in specific differentiating cells or in all cells of the embryo, we removed the embryonic cells from normal developmental constraints and attempted to grow them ectopically in vivo and in vitro. We have succeeded in producing teratomas and teratocarcinomas by transplantation of inner cell masses from blastocysts of t w12 + and t w12 t w12 genotypes. The ability of embryonic cells to grow as tumors was not affected by their genotype; 7 of the 17 tumors were homozygous for tw12, 7 were heterozygous, and 3 could not be analyzed. Virtually all the tumors of both genotypes contained derivatives of all three germ layers. Neuroepithelial and mature nervous tissue was present in all homozygous tumors and all except one heterozygous tumor. However, no cartilage or bone was found in 5 of 5 tw12 homozygous tumors, while both tissues were present in 3 of 4 tw12 heterozygous tumors. This observation is compatible with the abnormalities characteristic of t w12 t w12 embryos, which show very localized effects in nervous tissue and more general effects on bone and cartilage formation. Cells derived from homozygous tumors were capable of at least limited growth in culture and a cell line has been derived from one of them. The p63/6.9a marker protein was used to determine the presence of the tw12 haplotype in the tumor and cultured cells. We conclude that the lethality associated with the tw12 haplotype is due to lethality of specific cells, and not all cell types.
Filters for efficient composition of weighted finite-state transducers

This paper describes a weighted finite-state transducer composition algorithm that generalizes the concept of the composition filter and presents various filters that process epsilon transitions, look-ahead along paths, and push forward labels along epsilon paths. These filters, either individually or in combination, make it possible to compose some transducers much more efficiently in time and space than otherwise possible. We present examples of this drawn, in part, from demanding speechprocessing applications. The generalized composition algorithm and many of these filters have been included in OpenFst, an open-source weighted transducer library.
Developmental differences in infant salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol responses to stress

This study examined developmental differences in infants' salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and cortisol levels and responses to the well-baby exam/inoculation stress protocol at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months of age. Mother-infant pairs (n=85; 45 girls) were assessed during well-baby visits and saliva was sampled before the well-baby exam/inoculation procedure (pre-test) and at 5, 10, and 20 min post-inoculation stress. Older infants (24 months) had higher levels of sAA than younger infants (2, 6 and 12 months). Stress-related sAA increases were evident at 6 and 12 months, but not at 2 or 24 months of age. Stress-related cortisol increases were present at 2 and 6 months, but not at older ages. Mothers had higher sAA levels than their infants, but did not show sAA or cortisol increases to their infants' inoculation. Pre-test, maternal and infant sAA levels were positively correlated (rs .47 to .65) at 6, 12, and 24 months of age, but not at 2 months. These findings suggest that the association between the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system and the secretion of sAA develops between 2 and 6 months of age, when levels of sAA are responsive to exposure to a painful stressor.
A Review of Rosiglitazone in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The thiazolidinedione rosiglitazone maleate works primarily to improve insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue. It may have additional pharmacologic effects, however, as its main target is peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Data using the homeostasis model assessment and proinsulin:insulin ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus suggest that rosiglitazone may have the potential to sustain or improve β-cell function. In these patients the drug reduces fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin, and C-peptide. In clinical trials, rosiglitazone monotherapy significantly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin by 1.5% compared with placebo and led to significant improvements in glycemic control when given in combination with metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin. A dosage of 4 mg twice/day significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose levels and produced comparable reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin compared with glyburide. Rosiglitazone has a low risk of gastrointestinal side effects and hypoglycemia, reduced insulin demand, potential sparing effects on β-cells, and favorable drug interaction profile. Adverse events of clinical significance are edema, anemia, and weight gain. Premarketing data indicate no significant difference in liver enzyme elevations for rosiglitazone, placebo, or active controls. Another drug in the thiazolidinedione class, troglitazone, was associated with idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity and was removed from the market. Therefore, until long-term data are available for rosiglitazone, liver enzyme monitoring is recommended.
Duration of Post-Stress Intervocalic Stops and Preceding Vowels:

Measurements of the duration of the closure of post-stress, intervocalic stops in two-syllable words, of the vowels that precede them, and of vowels preceding stops in monosyllabic words were made ...
The nature and measurement of compulsive indecisiveness

Indecisiveness is an often mentioned symptom of obsessive compulsive disorder and obsessive compulsive personality disorder, yet very little research has been done examining its nature and measurement. Three studies are presented here which examine the nature of compulsive indecisiveness using a newly developed scale. In study 1 the Indecisiveness Scale was correlated with measures of obsessionality and compulsive checking among normal S s. It was also correlated with the maladaptive evaluative concern dimensions of perfectionism and with compulsive hoarding. In study 2 indecisive S s (as measured by the Indecisiveness Scale) were found to score higher on measures of procrastination and general psychopathology. In addition, they reported problems in making decisions in a variety of life domains (social, academic, family and everyday). In study 3 S s who scored high on the Indecisiveness Scale were found to have longer latencies on an experimental decision-making task. The implications of these findings for the nature of indecisiveness were discussed.
Determination of liquid‐mixture solubility parameters and interaction energy densities

Integral, isothermal heat-of-condensation values for continuously generated vapors of various constant-composition mixtures, along with the isothermal densities of the condensates, enable the calculation of the cohesive energy densities of solutions. Data for the complete range of composition of the chloroform-acetone system and for a major portion of the chloroformdiethyl ether system at 35°C are reported. From these data, the specificinteraction-energy density for each system is calculated, based upon an extension of the Scatchard-Hildebrand Regular Solution Theory. The essential equality of the specific-interaction energy-density values for the two systems indicates a preponderance of the same kind of hydrogen bonding (CH---O) in each.
SIRT3 Is a Stress-Responsive Deacetylase in Cardiomyocytes That Protects Cells from Stress-Mediated Cell Death by Deacetylation of Ku70

There are seven SIRT isoforms in mammals, with diverse biological functions including gene regulation, metabolism, and apoptosis. Among them, SIRT3 is the only sirtuin whose increased expression has been shown to correlate with an extended life span in humans. In this study, we examined the role of SIRT3 in murine cardiomyocytes. We found that SIRT3 is a stress-responsive deacetylase and that its increased expression protects myocytes from genotoxic and oxidative stress-mediated cell death. We show that, like human SIRT3, mouse SIRT3 is expressed in two forms, a ∼44-kDa long form and a ∼28-kDa short form. Whereas the long form is localized in the mitochondria, nucleus, and cytoplasm, the short form is localized exclusively in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes. During stress, SIRT3 levels are increased not only in mitochondria but also in the nuclei of cardiomyocytes. We also identified Ku70 as a new target of SIRT3. SIRT3 physically binds to Ku70 and deacetylates it, and this promotes interaction of Ku70 with the proapoptotic protein Bax. Thus, under stress conditions, increased expression of SIRT3 protects cardiomyocytes, in part by hindering the translocation of Bax to mitochondria. These studies underscore an essential role of SIRT3 in the survival of cardiomyocytes in stress situations.
Outcome of Preventive Surgery and Screening for Breast and Ovarian Cancer in BRCA Mutation Carriers

PURPOSE: To prospectively determine the impact of genetic counseling and testing on risk-reduction strategies and cancer incidence in a cohort of individuals at hereditary risk for breast and ovari...
Conceptual and theoretical approaches to patient care: associate versus baccalaureate degree prepared nurses

The purpose of the study was to determine if there is a relationship between types of entry-level preparatory nursing programmes in which a nurse receives basic nursing education and conceptual and theoretical approaches to patient care. A secondary purpose of the study was to determine if there is a relationship between entry-level basic preparatory nursing education and nursing leadership, the ability to make nursing diagnosis, and implementation, as well as evaluation of the nursing process. Three nursing practice categories were identified and included: professional, all-nurse and technical. Useable data collected by short-essay questionnaire from 343 out of 344 sample subjects were computed to determine the relationship, if any, between basic preparatory nursing education and conceptual and theoretical approaches to patient care. Decisions about three null hypotheses were made at the 0.05 level of significance utilizing analysis of covariance and the 0.01 level of significance utilizing chi-square analysis. For Hypothesis 1, the main effect for degree work when covaried with Verbal Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, Quantitative Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, time and age indicated a significance of 0.001 for all item associations in the professional, all-nurse and technical categories utilizing analysis of covariance, and 0.001 utilizing chi-square analysis. For Hypotheses 2 and 3, the main effect for degree work when covaried with the aforementioned variables indicated a significance of 0.001 utilizing analysis of covariance, and 0.001 utilizing chi-square analysis. In conclusion, the findings from the study suggest that graduates of baccalaureate degree programmes do vary in conceptual and theoretical approach to nursing care in specific nursing care situations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Relations of Behavioral Autonomy to Health Outcomes Among Emerging Adults With and Without Type 1 Diabetes

Objective To examine the relation of behavioral autonomy to psychological, behavioral, and physical health among emerging adults with and without type 1 diabetes. Methods High school seniors with (n ¼ 118) and without type 1 diabetes (n ¼ 122) completed online questionnaires for three consecutive years. Behavioral autonomy, psychological health, risk behaviors, and diabetes outcomes were assessed. Regression analyses were conducted to predict Time 2 and 3 outcomes, controlling for Time 1 outcomes. Results There were no group differences in behavioral autonomy. Behavioral autonomy predicted better psychological health but only for emerging adults without diabetes. Behavioral autonomy was related to increased risk behavior for both groups. Behavioral autonomy was unrelated to self-care but predicted better glycemic control for females. Conclusions Behavioral autonomy may be beneficial for psychological health, but is related to increased risk behavior. The implications of behavioral autonomy for emerging adults with type 1 diabetes require careful consideration.
Reflections on the ruins of Athens and Rome Derrida and Simmel on temporality, life and death

The recent publication of the translation of Jacques Derrida’s Athens, Still Remains, a small volume of photographs and commentary, affords an opportunity to probe Derrida’s reflections on death and therefore on life as well. Looking at photographs and objects of everyday life, Derrida emphasizes the deferred yet certain nature of death and the way in which this deferral opens the opportunity to devote ourselves to life. His grounding of his philosophical and deconstructionist argument in contemplation of material fragments (the photographs of ruins and scenes from the recent past of Athens) invites a comparison with the writing of sociologist Georg Simmel on ruins, time and death. Both writers attempt to discover practices of survival, the techne of affirming life in the face of death. For both of them these practices are sociological as well as philosophical, individual as well as collective, and aesthetic as well as intellectual. While their reflections thematically converge, their strategies for the a...
Electrical Testing in Failure Analysis - The Role of the Curve Tracer

This report describes the role of the curve tracer in the failure-analysis process, some text fixtures used to supplement the standard curve tracer, and some case histories of application of the curve tracer.
Intraoperative computed tomography with integrated navigation in percutaneous iliosacral screwing.

Abstract Background Iliosacral screw fixation has generally been accepted as a treatment for unstable pelvic fractures with posterior sacroiliac joint disruption despite a 2–16% rate of screw malposition. The integration of an intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) with a navigation system was utilized in percutaneous sacroiliac screwing to provide an alternative. Methods From October 2010 to November 2011, thirteen patients presented pelvic fractures with posterior ring disruption (lateral compression type 2–3 [n = 12] and vertical shear type [n = 1] by Young-Burgess Classification) and underwent percutaneous iliosacral screwing using an iCT integrated with navigation system. The perioperative data and radiographic outcomes of the patients were collected and analyzed. Results Navigation times ranged from 10 to 45 min (mean of 21.2 ± 10.6 min). Radiation exposure to the skin utilizing integrated navigation system ranged from 23.5 to 28.1 mGy (mean of 26.4 ± 1.5 mGy), and the dose associated with examining the screw position ranged from 22.5 to 26.8 mGy (mean of 25.5 ± 1.1 mGy). Effective dose of radiation ranged from 9.26 to 17.43 mSv (mean of 13.16 ± 2.52 mSv). The iCT demonstrated iliosacral screws in adequate position (i.e., no penetration or encroachment of the neuroforamen or cord). No neurologic or vascular injury occurred in these cases. Conclusions An iCT with an integrated navigation system provided accuracy for percutaneous iliosacral screwing. In addition, the accumulated dose was minimized for surgeons. However, effective dose of radiation in iCT with an integrated navigation system group was higher than fluoroscopic-assisted iliosacral screwing in hands of the same group of surgeons. No neurologic complications occurred. The iCT with an integrated navigation system provided an alternative to percutaneous iliosacral screwing.
Determining the Number of Attackers and Localizing Multiple Adversaries in Wireless Spoofing Attacks

Wireless spoofing attacks are easy to launch and can significantly impact the performance of networks. Although the identity of a node can be verified through cryptographic authentication, conventional security approaches are not always desirable because of their overhead requirements. In this paper, we propose to use location information, a physical property associated with each node, hard to falsify, and not reliant on cryptography, as the basis for (1) detecting spoofing attacks; (2) determining the number of attackers when multiple adver- saries masquerading as a same node identity; and (3) localizing multiple adversaries. We formulate the problem of determining the number of attackers as a multi-class detection problem. We first propose two cluster-based mechanisms to determine the number of attackers. We then develop SILENCE that employs the minimum distance testing of RSS values in addition to cluster analysis and can achieve better accuracy than other methods under study that merely use cluster analysis alone. We further developed an integrated detection and localization system that can localize the positions of multiple attackers. We evaluated our techniques through two testbeds using both an 802.11 (WiFi) network and an 802.15.4 (ZigBee) network in two real office buildings. Our experimental results show that SILENCE can achieve over 90% Hit Rate and Precision when determining the number of attackers. Additionally, our localization results using a representative set of algorithms provide strong evidence of high accuracy of localizing multiple adversaries.
Simulated sensitivity of seasonal ozone exposure in the Great Lakes region to changes in anthropogenic emissions in the presence of interannual variability

A coupled meteorological and chemical modeling system with a 12-km horizontal grid spacing was used to simulate the evolution of ozone over the Great Lakes region between May and September of 1999 and 2001. The overall temporal and spatial variations in hourly ozone concentrations and ozone exposure from control simulations agreed reasonably well with the observations at most locations with an overall monthly bias computed across all stations ranging from -3.2 to 5.3 ppb, the root mean square difference ranging from 18.2 to 22.2 ppb, and an index of agreement ranging from 0.63 to 0.78. As with the observations, the simulated ozone exposure was higher during most months of the summer of 1999 than during 2001. Sensitivity simulations that increased anthropogenic trace gas emissions were performed to determine the changes in ozone exposure in the presence of meteorological interannual variability. The emission scenario simulations that employed the meteorological conditions of 1999 and increased anthropogenic emissions of NOx and VOCs produced increases in ozone exceeding 80 ppb over the lower peninsula of Michigan, the eastern half of the upper peninsula of Michigan, and over Ontario just north of Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Over the agricultural regions, more ozone between 60 and 80 ppb was produced. The cooler and wetter conditions with more frequent periods of northwesterly flow during the summer of 2001 were not as favorable for ozone production and did not result in increased ozone, despite the increase in anthropogenic emissions. Increases in ozone exceeding 60 ppb occurred only over the lake surfaces and in central Michigan when the meteorological conditions of the summer of 2001 were applied. For both summers, increases in anthropogenic emissions decreased ozone exposure in the immediate vicinity of the largest metropolitan areas. Since anthropogenic emission rate projections depend on assumptions of population, economic development, land-use patterns, and technology, the effect of anthropogenic emission rates on the magnitude and regional-scale distribution of ozone concentrations could be much larger or smaller than indicated by this study. In a subsequent study, the simulated ozone will be used as input to biological models to assess the response of ozone-sensitive tree species in the Great Lakes region to ozone levels produced by various anthropogenic emission scenarios.
Multiplierless signal processors using table look-ups and residue arithmetic

New algorithms for computing convolutions and other multiplicative intensive signal processing functions are presented. These algorithms use squaring operations and additions but not two-operand multiplications. The squared law algorithms presented are extensions of the quarter squared and the one-over eight squared algorithms, and they are more powerful and more hardware efficient than them. They are appropriate for modular and residue arithmetic and rely on ROM lookup tables for computing the squaring operations. Since the ROM performing the squaring operation is at the heart of the new techniques, the author presents some memory compression schemes for minimizing the size of such lookup table ROMs. >
CoMRI: a compressed multiresolution index structure for sequence similarity queries

In this paper, we present CoMRI, compressed multiresolution index, our system for fast sequence similarity search in DNA sequence databases. We employ virtual bounding rectangle (VBR) concept to build a compressed, grid style index structure. An advantage of grid format over trees is subsequence location information is given by the order of corresponding VBR in the VBR list. Taking advantage of VBRs, our index structure fits into a reasonable size of memory easily. Together with a new optimized multiresolution search algorithm, the query speed is improved significantly. Extensive performance evaluations on human chromosome sequence data show that VBRs save 80%-93% index storage size compared to MBRs (minimum bounding rectangles) and new search algorithm prunes almost all unnecessary VBRs which guarantees efficient disk I/O and CPU cost. According to the results of our experiments, the performance of CoMRI is at least 100 times faster than MRS which is another grid index structure introduced very recently.
Appropriateness of sampling times for therapeutic drug monitoring

Serum sampling for drug concentration was evaluated for usefulness in pharmacokinetic calculations and dosage adjustment. The prospective study included serum samples for 11 drugs in hospital inpatients during a four-week period. Appropriateness of sampling regarding (1) time of drug administration and (2) steady state was determined. Both of these evaluations were used in the final rankings of appropriateness of the samples with regard to ease of interpretation and clinical usefulness. Digoxin, theophylline, tobramycin, and phenytoin accounted for 81% of the 466 samples evaluated. Sampling time was recorded for 56% of all samples. Based on time of dose administration, 54% of samples were obtained at the recommended time; 38% of samples were obtained at steady state. Basic pharmacokinetic methods could be used to interpret 15% of samples, while 44% required complex pharmacokinetic methods, 34% required assumptions about sampling time versus dosing history, and 7% should not have been used in dosage adjustment. The majority of plasma drug samples required more than basic pharmacokinetic methods for evaluation. For assessment of therapeutic drug regimens by monitoring serum drug concentrations, sophisticated pharmacokinetic consultation services are needed.
Modern Day Explorers—The Way to a Wider World

Abstract Many older and retired adults have become modern day explorers with money, time, and energy to discover locations around the world. The purpose of this study was to better understand the impact of travel experiences of older and experienced travelers. Qualitative inquiry has been employed; three interviews took place with each participant. There are three general themes as a result of this study. 1) Impact in travel occurred when one encountered significant topics within the contrast of another place. 2) Planning and preparation helped to lay the groundwork for impact in the travel experience. 3) Rather than Mezirow's perspective transformation, travelers identified a change in meaning scheme that can be internal or external. These modern day explorers have shown how travel can make a difference in the quality of life of older adults.
Role of NADPH phagocyte oxidase in host defense against acute respiratory Acinetobacter baumannii infection in mice.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging bacterial pathogen that rapidly develops multiple-drug resistance and is responsible for many nosocomial pulmonary infections. This study investigated the role of the NADPH phagocyte oxidase (phox) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) in the host defense against respiratory infection with A. baumannii in mouse models of intranasal A. baumannii infection. gp91 phox/ mice showed higher susceptibility to A. baumannii infection than wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice, with significantly greater bacterial counts in their lungs (1,000-fold) (P < 0.005) and spleens (10-fold) (P < 0.05). Moreover, all of the gp91 phox/ mice succumbed to infection within 48 h. In contrast, only a moderate increase in bacterial burdens was detected in the lungs of NOS2 / mice, and all NOS2 / mice survived infection. Compared to WT mice, the pulmonary influx of inflammatory cells and serum and local inflammatory cytokine/chemokine responses were not obviously impaired at 4 h and were significantly higher at 24 h (P < 0.05) in gp91 phox/ mice, but NADPH-deficient neutrophils were unable to control bacterial replication and extrapulmonary dissemination. Thus, NADPH phagocyte oxidase appears to play a crucial role in the neutrophil-mediated host defense against A. baumannii. Acinetobacter baumannii infection has recently emerged as a major cause of both community-associated and nosocomial infections worldwide (6, 7). The overall 30-day mortality of Acinetobacter infection can be as high as 49%, with the respi
An adaptive mixed least-squares finite element method for viscoelastic fluids of Oldroyd type

We present a new least-squares finite element method for the steady Oldroyd type viscoelastic fluids. The overall iterative procedure combines a nonlinear nested iteration, where adaptive mesh refinement is based on a nonlinear least-squares functional. Each linear step is solved by a least-squares finite element minimization. The homogeneous least-squares functional is shown to be equivalent to a natural norm, and, under sufficient smoothness assumptions, finite element error bounds are shown to be optimal when using conforming piecewise polynomial elements for the velocity, pressure and extra stress, and Raviart–Thomas finite elements for the total stress. In the absence of full regularity, a local weighted-norm approach is used to remove effects of corner singularities. Numerical results are given for an Oldroyd-B fluid in a 4:1 contraction, showing optimal reduction of the least-squares functional.
Surveillance imaging during remission identifies a group of patients with more favorable aggressive NHL at time of relapse: a retrospective analysis of a uniformly-treated patient population

Background: Approximately one-third of the patients with relapsed aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) are cured by second-line chemotherapy followed by high-dose consolidation. The age-adjusted international prognostic index determined at the time of relapse (sAAIPI) predicts outcome in relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, suggesting that the success of salvage therapy could be enhanced by early relapse detection. This study evaluated the role of surveillance imaging in detection of relapsed disease and its impact on outcome of salvage treatment. Patients and methods: One hundred and eight patients with relapsed aggressive NHL were treated with ICE-based second-line chemotherapy. Relapses were categorized as detected by imaging, examination, or patient-reported symptoms. Results: Twenty per cent of relapses were detected by routine imaging while 80% were identified by reported symptoms or abnormalities on exam. Patients were 4.1 times (95% CI: 1.7–10.2) more likely to have low risk disease if relapse was diagnosed by routine imaging (group 1) compared with those diagnosed by reported symptoms or physical findings (group 2). Median overall 5-year survival for group 1 versus group 2 was 54% and 43% respectively (P = 0.13). Conclusion: These results suggest that routine surveillance imaging can identify a population of patients with a more favorable outcome based on the sAAIPI.
The effect of varying filter techniques on late potential parameters of signal averaged electrocardiographic records

Signal average electrocardiographic parameters were obtained in 54 patients and 128 normal subjects using two filtering techniques and lead systems. Filtered QRS duration (TQRS), root mean voltage in the terminal filtered QRS (RMS), and terminal QRS duration under 40 microvolts (LAD) were compared. TQRS was significantly different for all subjects. RMS values were different for normal subjects and EPS positive subjects. It is concluded that variation in filtering can modify results and that standards appropriate for the filter must be employed clinically. >
Rice straw fiber-reinforced high-density polyethylene composite: Effect of fiber type and loading

Composite panels using virgin and recycled high-density polyethylene (VHDPE and RHDPE) and five types of natural fibers including four rice straw components (i.e., rice husk, rice straw leaf, rice straw stem, and whole rice straw) and wood fiber as control were made by melt compounding and compression molding. Fiber characteristics and the influences of fiber type and loading rate on HDPE crystallization behavior and composite mechanical properties were investigated. Fiber length and aspect ratio distributions for all fibers followed a lognormal distribution after milling with two parameters defining the curve location (i.e., mean fiber length/aspect ratio) and shape (i.e., mean fiber length/aspect ratio distribution). For both VHDPE and RHDPE, rice straw fiber systems had comparable mechanical properties with those of wood composites. Increase in fiber loading led to increased moduli and decreased tensile and impact strength. Composite panels with rice husk had the smallest storage moduli, but their impact strength was comparable or better than that of other straw fibers. Very little difference in mechanical properties existed among leaf, stem, and whole straw fibers. The particular recycled HDPE resin and its composites had significantly better moduli and strength properties compared to the virgin HDPE systems due to additives used during initial processing. X-ray diffraction experiments showed that introducing fiber to HDPE matrix did not change characteristic peak position, but the fiber increased crystalline thickness of HDPE system. Differential scanning calorimetry experiments showed that VHDPE had significantly larger peak heat flow during cooling run than the RHDPE, indicating higher crystallization rates for VHDPE. The use of fiber in both resin systems led to the reduced peak heat flow rate. The study showed that rice straw fibers can work well with both VHDPE and RHDPE as reinforcing filler. Future work will deal with effect of coupling treatments of the straw fibers in single phase or commingled plastics composite systems.
Template-Directed Synthesis of Oligomers: Kinetic vs. Thermodynamic Control

A number of template-directed reactions have been developed to model DNA replication which generally involve the irreversible coupling of activated substrates to form complementary products. In an effort to better define the essential features of DNA replication, we have developed a template-directed reaction in which substrates reversibly couple prior to being irreversibly joined. In this model system, DNA trimers modified separately with a 5′ primary amine and a 3′ acetaldehyde were reversibly condensed in the absence and presence of the complementary hexamer template, and the products were trapped with NaBH3CN reduction. This system favors the selection of complementary substrates from competing reactants by greater than thirty-fold. Introduction of a single amine linkage in the backbone of a DNA hexamer destabilizes the duplex formed with a complementary all-phosphate hexamer. Examinations of the solution conformation and thermodynamic stability of this duplex and other synthetically modified oligomers with magnetic resonance and thermal denaturation measurements have structurally defined these oligomeric species. These studies suggest approaches for the design of catalytic templates.
Use of preoperative magnetic resonance angiography and the Artis zeego fusion program to minimize contrast during endovascular repair of an iliac artery aneurysm.

Background A 61-year-old man with a previous endovascular repair and stage 5 chronic kidney disease presented with a symptomatic 4.5-cm left internal iliac artery aneurysm. The decision was made to proceed with endovascular repair. Methods The preoperative magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scan was linked to on-table rotational imaging using the Artis zeego Fusion program (Siemens AG, Forchheim, Germany). Using the fused image as a road map, we undertook coil embolization of the left internal iliac artery, and a tapered stent graft was extended from the previous graft into the external iliac artery. Results Completion angiography revealed exclusion of the aneurysm sac. Three milliliters of contrast were used throughout the procedure. A follow-up magnetic resonance angiography scan at 1 month and duplex ultrasonography at 1 year revealed continued exclusion of the aneurysm sac. The patient’s renal function remained unchanged. Conclusions This case shows that in a patient with severe chronic kidney disease, fusion of preoperative imaging with intraoperative rotational imaging is feasible and can limit significantly the amount of contrast used during a complex endovascular procedure.
Intervening in Bullying: Differences across Elementary School Staff Members in Attitudes, Perceptions, and Self-Efficacy Beliefs

Although a growing body of research has investigated the experiences of certified school staff in antibullying efforts, a dearth of research exists on noncertified staff. To that end, the pres ent study examined differences in attitudes, perceptions, and self-efficacy beliefs to intervene among certified (for example, teachers, counselors, school social workers) and noncertified (for example, paraprofessionals, teacher aides, lunchroom and custodial staff ) elementary school staff members. A total of 252 (165 certified and 87 noncertified) school staff members from six elementary schools participated in a one-time, anonymous online survey. Stepwise robust regression was used to assess for differences between certified and noncertified staff, while also controlling for any significant variation found across the six schools. Results revealed significant differences in attitudes toward victims and bullies, self-efficacy beliefs to intervene, and likelihood of intervention with cyberbullying, favoring certified staff members. Findings suggest that additional training efforts may be necessary to support noncertified staff members to successfully identify and intervene with bullying. The key role that school social workers can play in these training initiatives is highlighted, thus drawing attention to the implications for school social work practice.