cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategic Attention Learning for Modality Translation

Novel wearable sensor modalities, such as bio-impedance (Bio-Z), are being introduced and often provide various advantages over current state-of-the-art in terms of accuracy, sensing coverage, or convenience of wear. The principal challenge, however, lies in the ability to interpret the sensor reading by healthcare providers. In this work, we propose a two-stage deep learning framework that leverages a novel attention mechanism to translate Bio-Z signals to highly interpretable electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms while also predicting translation uncertainty. Our experiments indicate a 66% improvement in accuracy for 1D-CNN based models to perform competitively with more sophisticated hybrid CNN-LSTM based models in a fraction of the training time while also providing a valid uncertainty measurement.
Chapter 3 – Hybrid membrane systems – applications and case studies

Publisher Summary The term hybrid, or integrated, membrane processes refers to the integration of one or more membrane processes with or without conventional unit operations to increase performance, depending on the type of feed and product quality required. The main goal of these systems is to increase purity in the case of water and gas purification, and productivity and yield of the product in the case of fermentation processing. Pervaporation (PV)-based hybrid processes can be more economical than traditional separation processes for the removal of volatile organic compounds from industrial, municipal water, or groundwater contaminated with carcinogenic halogenated hydrocarbons instead of catalytic combustion.
Association between a history of depression and anti-müllerian hormone among late-reproductive aged women: the Harvard study of moods and cycles

There is conflicting evidence regarding the association between a history of depression and risk of early menopause. In a cohort of premenopausal women, we investigated the association between depression history and ovarian reserve, as measured by anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). The Harvard Study of Moods and Cycles (HSMC) was a prospective cohort study of women living in the Boston, MA metropolitan-area (1995–1999). Women aged 36–45 years at cohort entry (1995) were sampled from seven Boston metropolitan-area communities using census directories. We measured serum AMH in early-follicular phase venous blood specimens from 141 women with a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID)-confirmed history of depression and 228 without such a history. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) for the association between characteristics of depression history and low AMH (≤1.4 ng/mL), adjusting for several potential confounders. The prevalence of low AMH was similar among depressed (57.5%) and non-depressed (57.9%) women (Adjusted [Adj] PR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.08). Among depressed women, results were not appreciably different among those who had ever used antidepressants and those with comorbid anxiety. Modest inverse associations between depression and low AMH were seen among women aged 36–40 years (Adj PR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.52, 1.09) and nulliparous women (Adj PR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.59, 1.00). No dose-response association with greater duration or length of depressive symptoms was observed. Overall, the prevalence of low AMH was similar for depressed and non-depressed women 36–45 years of age. Surprisingly, among younger and nulliparous women, those with a history of depression had a slightly reduced prevalence of low AMH relative to those without such a history. These results do not indicate reduced ovarian reserve among women with a history of depression.
Digital Health Information Disparities in Older Adults: a Mixed Methods Study

Important health information including disease prevention and chronic disease self-management is increasingly packaged for digital use. The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed methods study was to describe the extent of computer ownership, Internet access, and digital health information use in an ethnically diverse sample of older adults, comparing ownership, access, and use of digital health information (DHI) across ethnic groups and identifying the factors associated with them quantitatively. Significant differences in computer ownership, Internet access, and DHI use were found across ethnic groups (African American, Afro-Caribbean, Hispanic American, and European American). Logistic regression identified older age, less education, lower income, and minority group membership as significant predictors of limited DHI use. Older African Americans were one-fifth as likely to own a computer than were European Americans; Hispanic Americans were one-half as likely to have access to the Internet. We then conducted a series of focus groups which highlighted differences across ethnic groups. Participants in the African American/Afro-Caribbean group expressed frustration with lack of access to DHI but appreciation for alternative sources of information. Hispanic Americans critiqued information received from providers and drug inserts, some suggesting that a positive attitude and trust in God also contributed to getting well. European American participants evaluated various DHI websites, looking to providers for help in applying information to their personal situation. As the development and use of DHI continue, parallel efforts to increase access to DHI among economically disadvantaged and minority older adults are critical to prevent further disfranchisement.
Physical Rehabilitation for Older Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure

Abstract Background Older patients who are hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure have high rates of physical frailty, poor quality of life, delayed recovery, and frequent rehospitaliza...
Are grandparents raising grandchildren receiving the services they need

Grandparents play an important role in the upbringing of grandchildren and face increased levels of stress. Using family stress theory, the present study examined the effectiveness of service programs for grandparents raising grandchildren. Data were collected through focus group interviews and audiotaped from a sample of four custodial grandparents living in Ohio U.S.A. To better understand grandparents that are raising their grandchildren, we asked the following questions: 1) What support is needed for grandparents raising grandchildren? 2) At what stage is the support needed: beginning, middle or late stages of caregiving? 3) What are grandparent caregivers’ perceptions of service programs? The audiotape was transcribed verbatim and analyzed for themes relevant to the research questions. The findings from these questions are examined and implications discussed.
Projective bichains

An algebra with two binary operations · and + that are commutative, associative, and idempotent is called a bisemilattice. A bisemilattice that satisfies Birkhoff’s equation x · (x + y) = x + (x · y) is a Birkhoff system. Each bisemilattice determines, and is determined by, two semilattices, one for the operation + and one for the operation ·. A bisemilattice for which each of these semilattices is a chain is called a bichain. In this note, we characterize the finite bichains that are weakly projective in the variety of Birkhoff systems as those that do not contain a certain three-element bichain. As subdirectly irreducible weak projectives are splitting, this provides some insight into the fine structure of the lattice of subvarieties of Birkhoff systems.
Mode of initiation of reciprocating tachycardia during programmed ventricular stimulation in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. With reference to various patterns of ventriculoatrial conduction.

Abstract The mode of initiation of reciprocating tachycardia in relation to various patterns of ventriculoatrial (V-A) conduction induced by programmed right ventricular stimulation was systematically analyzed in 29 patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, type A. His bundle activity and atrial electrograms near the atrial ends of the normal and accessory pathways were simultaneously recorded. V-A conduction time was plotted as a function of premature ventricular coupling intervals. Four groups of patients were observed. In Group I, four patients with absence of V-A conduction, reciprocating tachycardia could not be elicited. In Group II, three patients with persistent retrograde atrial fusion from the normal and accessory pathways, reciprocating tachycardia could not be elicited because of a constant impulse collision at the atrial level. In Group III, seven patients with predominant or exclusive V-A conduction over the normal pathway, concealed retrograde penetration of the accessory pathway might have prevented the initiation of reciprocating tachycardia in all patients. In Group IV, 15 patients with predominant or exclusive V-A conduction over the accessory pathway, reciprocating tachycardia could be elicited only in 7, and its initiation appeared to depend upon the depth of retrograde penetration of the normal pathway; the less the depth of such penetration, the easier it was to elicit a reciprocating tachycardia. Furthermore, with the production of progressively less deep retrograde penetration of the normal pathway, development of repetitive ventricular responses at short ventricular coupling intervals and shortening of the ventricular driving cycle length favored the induction of reciprocating tachycardia in patients in this group. The study demonstrates that the initiation of reciprocating tachycardia during programmed ventricular stimulation in patients with the WPW syndrome is related to various patterns of V-A conduction.
Efficient Computation and Long Range Optimization Applications Using a Two-Characteristic Markov-Type Manpower Flow Model

In [1] the author has compared and contrasted Markov and longitudinal manpower flow models. The Markov model requires relatively little data and has been widely analyzed (see [2] and [3]). The longitudinal model incorporates more realistic personnel flows, but requires extensive data which is not always available. In [4] Hayne and Marshall analyze a two-characteristic Markov model which can be viewed as a hybrid of the Markov and longitudinal models. The purpose of this paper is to show how efficient computational methods can be used with the two-characteristic model by exploiting the special structure of its underlying matrix. These methods make possible the efficient use of this basic flow model in optimization models similar to those described in Chapter 5 of [3].
Prediction and Assimilation of Surf-zone Processes using a Bayesian Network. Part I: Forward Models

Abstract Prediction of coastal processes, including waves, currents, and sediment transport, can be obtained from a variety of detailed geophysical-process models with many simulations showing significant skill. This capability supports a wide range of research and applied efforts that can benefit from accurate numerical predictions. However, the predictions are only as accurate as the data used to drive the models and, given the large temporal and spatial variability of the surf zone, inaccuracies in data are unavoidable such that useful predictions require corresponding estimates of uncertainty. We demonstrate how a Bayesian-network model can be used to provide accurate predictions of wave-height evolution in the surf zone given very sparse and/or inaccurate boundary-condition data. The approach is based on a formal treatment of a data-assimilation problem that takes advantage of significant reduction of the dimensionality of the model system. We demonstrate that predictions of a detailed geophysical model of the wave evolution are reproduced accurately using a Bayesian approach. In this surf-zone application, forward prediction skill was 83%, and uncertainties in the model inputs were accurately transferred to uncertainty in output variables. We also demonstrate that if modeling uncertainties were not conveyed to the Bayesian network (i.e., perfect data or model were assumed), then overly optimistic prediction uncertainties were computed. More consistent predictions and uncertainties were obtained by including model-parameter errors as a source of input uncertainty. Improved predictions (skill of 90%) were achieved because the Bayesian network simultaneously estimated optimal parameters while predicting wave heights.
Phonocardiography. II. Appraisal and critical analysis of existing systems.

Abstract The characteristics of several existing American and European phonocardiographs are discussed. Their desirable features and shortcomings are analyzed.
Space Settlements: A Design Study

Nineteen professors of engineering, physical science, social science, and architecture, three volunteers, six students, a technical director, and two co-directors worked for ten weeks to construct a convincing picture of how people might permanently sustain life in space on a large scale, and to design a system for the colonization of space. Because the idea of colonizing space has awakened strong public interest, the document presented is written to be understood by the educated public and specialists in other fields. It also includes considerable background material. A table of units and conversion factors is included to aid the reader in interpreting the units of the metric system used in the report.
Endogenous Destruction in a Model of Armed Conflict: Implications for Conflict Intensity, Welfare, and Third-Party Intervention

This paper employs a contest approach to study a class of territorial conflicts in which conflict-related arming is (endogenously) destructive of the contest prize. Of particular focus is the effect of endogenously destructive conflict arming upon conflict intensity and utility levels among primary parties to conflict. Also of interest are implications of endogenous destruction upon third-party welfare effect in conflict. As compared to the case of a fixed-prize conflict, we find starkly different arming and welfare outcomes in the case of an endogenously destructive conflict. We also find stark differences in third-party effect under this distinct setting.
Brucella 'HOOF-Prints': strain typing by multi-locus analysis of variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs)

Background Currently, there are very few tools available for subtyping Brucella isolates for epidemiological trace-back. Subtyping is difficult because of the genetic homogeneity within the genus. Sequencing of the genomes from three Brucella species has facilitated the search for DNA sequence variability. Recently, hypervariability among short tandem repeat sequences has been exploited for strain-typing of several bacterial pathogens.
Politics of Apprehension: Teaching about the Middle East in Uncertain Times

This paper engages with the complex ways in which current uncertain political conditions brought on by the politics of war and terror have produced new sets of fears, anxieties and obstacles for Middle Eastern anthropologists teaching about the Middle East in general and Iran in particular in U.S. academia. Elaborating on issues pertaining to the democratic rights of academics, censorship, self-censorship, and the general parameters of academic freedom, the author hopes to raise questions and seek practical solutions to overcome the current state of apprehension.
The biology of Plasmodium vivax explored through genomics

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. Of the four Plasmodium species that routinely cause human malaria, Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread species outside Africa, causing ∼18.9 million cases in 2012. P. vivax cannot be cultured continuously in vitro, which severely hampers research in nonendemic and endemic countries alike. Consequently, whole-genome sequencing has become an effective means to interrogate the biology of the P. vivax parasite. Our comparative genomic analysis of five P. vivax reference genomes and several whole-genome sequences of the closely related monkey malaria species P. cynomolgi has revealed an extraordinary level of genetic diversity and enabled characterization of novel multigene families and important single-copy genes. The generation of whole-genome sequences from multiple clinical isolates is also driving forward knowledge concerning the biology and evolution of the species. Understanding the biology of P. vivax is crucial to develop potential antimalarial drugs and vaccines and to achieve the goal of eliminating malaria.
Nonphotochemical, laser-induced nucleation of supersaturated aqueous glycine produces unexpected γ-polymorph

Supersaturated aqueous solutions of glycine exposed to intense pulses of plane-polarized laser light at 1.06 μm unexpectedly crystallized into the polar γ-polymorph of glycine. Control solutions not exposed to the laser always produced crystals of α-glycine, the expected and most stable form. This result suggests a new approach to polymorph control and possibly a means to produce new polymorphs.
Hydrazine, methylhydrazine and methylhydrazine sulfate carcinogenesis in Swiss mice. Failure of ammonium hydroxide to interfere in the development of tumors.

Solutions of hydrazine as 0.001%, methylhydrazine as 0.01%, methylhydrazine sulfate as 0.001%, and ammonium hydroxide as 0.3, 0.2 and 0.1% were administered continuously in the drinking water of 5- and 6-week-old randomly bred Swiss mice for their entire lifetime. Similarly ammonium hydroxide as a 0.1% solution was given to 7-week-old inbred C3H mice. Hydrazine and methylhydrazine sulfate significantly increased the incidence of lung tumors in Swiss mice, while methylhydrazine enhanced the development of this neoplasm by shortening its latent period. The ammonium hydroxide treatments in Swiss and C3H mice were, however, without carcinogenic effect, and did not inhibit the development of breast adenocarcinomas in C3H females, which are characteristic of these animals. The present study thus proves for the first time the carcinogenicity of methylhydrazine, provides further evidence of the tumor-inducing capability of hydrazine by itself and negates the possibility that the metabolite of hydrazine, ammonium hydroxide, could interfere in the development ofneoplasia.
Study of head-disk interaction and spacing based on readback signal

Based on amplitude modulation and frequency modulation analyses of the readback signal of a single-tone frequency pattern, the slider's down-track positional and fly height modulation amplitudes can be determined. We show that the slider's flying behavior undergoes through three distinct regimes as the fly height is decreased via thermal fly height control: stable flying at clearance, unstable flying or bouncing contact following the onset of touch-down, and stable sliding in the deep interference state. A minimum head-medium spacing and maximum recording performance are achieved in the deep interference state as a result of the lubricant being squeezed out of the head-disk contact.
Adsorption of Al, O, Hf, Y, Pt, and S Atoms on α-Al2O3(0001)

We use first-principles density functional theory to investigate adsorption of Al, O, Hf, Y, Pt, and S-atoms on the α-Al2O3(0001) surface. We identify stable adsorption sites and predict binding energies and structures. We find that Al, Hf, and Y preferentially adsorb on threefold-hollow sites, transfer electrons to the surface, and form ionic bonds to the three oxygen atoms. In contrast, the most stable adsorption site for Pt and S is ontop an oxygen atom, and we do not observe significant charge transfer. We find a binding order of S < Pt < O < Al ≪ Y < Hf, which reflects both the ease with which the early transition metals Hf and Y ionize, as well as the (nearly) closed-shell repulsions influencing the adsorption of O, Pt, and S. We use these results to rationalize some observations regarding the stability of thermal barrier coatings.
Modeling Cyber-Physical Vulnerability of the Smart Grid With Incomplete Information

This paper addresses the attack modeling using vulnerability of information, communication and electric grid network. Vulnerability of electric grid with incomplete information has been analyzed using graph theory based approach. Vulnerability of information and communication (cyber) network has been modeled utilizing concepts of discovery, access, feasibility, communication speed and detection threat. Common attack vector based on vulnerability of cyber and physical system have been utilized to operate breakers associated with generating resources to model aurora-like event. Real time simulations for modified IEEE 14 bus test case system and graph theory analysis for IEEE 118 bus system have been presented. Test case results show the possible impact on smart grid caused by integrated cyber-physical attack.
The Fragment R Collision: W. M. Keck Telescope Observations of SL9

The W. M. Keck telescope was used to observe the impact of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 (SL9) fragment R at a wavelength of 2.3 micrometers on 21 July 1994. The data showed three outbursts. The first flash lasted about 40 seconds and was followed 1 minute after its peak by a second flash that lasted about 3 minutes. A third, longer lasting flare began 6 minutes after the first flash and lasted for 10 minutes. At its maximum brightness, the flare outshone Jupiter. The two short flashes are probably associated with the initial meteor trail and the subsequent fireball, respectively. The bright flare occurred when the impact site rotated into view. These data show that the explosion ejected material at least 1300 kilometers above the visible cloud tops. The luminosity of the impact site during the long bright flare was probably maintained by the release of gravitational potential energy, as this material fell back onto the lower atmosphere.
Effects of immunoneutralization of dynorphin1–17 and dynorphin1–18 on the activity of central dopaminergic neurons in the male rat

Abstract The effect of administration of antibodies against dynorphin 1–17 (DYN 1–17 -AB) and dynorphin 1–N (DYN 1–N -AB) were examined on the activity of dopaminergic (DA) neurons comprising the nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, tuberoinfundibular and periventricular-hypophysial systems in the male rat brain. DA neuronal activity was estimated by measuring the concentration of the dopamine metabolite 3,4-dihydrophenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in brain (striatum, nucleus accumbens, median eminence) and pituitary regions (intermediate lobe) containing terminals of these neurons. The intracerebroventricular administration of either DYN 1–17 -AB or DYN 1–N -AB produced a time-related increase in the activity of tuberinfundibular and periventricular-hypophysial DA neurons, but failed toalter the activity of nigrstriatal or mesolimbic DA neurons. The ability of both DYN 1–17 -AB to endhance of tuberofundibular and periventricular-hypophysial DA neurons was reversed by the kappa opioid ag50,488. These results indicate that 1–17 -AB and and DYN 1-N -AB, presumably by binding endogenous dynorphins, remove a tonic inhibitory action of these opioid peptides on tuberoinfundibular and periventricular-hypophysial DA neurons.
Trends in International Research Presented through the Research Consortium of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (1965-2008).

The extent of international research on the Research Consortium's program between 1965 and 2008 was documented. A total of 9,132 abstracts were reviewed, and 657 (7.19%) had an international component. Inclusion of international research ranged from a low of 1.97% in 1983 to a high of 14.24% in 2007. There was a decrease in the amount of international research presented between 1965 and 1983, after which there was an increase through 2008. Most growth was from increased contributions coming from researchers in Southeast Asia. In terms of general research topics, eight areas increased over the 44-year history reviewed, and five areas decreased. Seven recommendations are advanced for expanding the place and role of international research within the Research Consortium.
Scalable Security and Accounting Services for Content-Based Publish/Subscribe Systems

Content-based publish/subscribe systems offer an interaction scheme that is appropriate for a variety of large-scale dynamic applications. However, widespread use of these systems is hindered by a lack of suitable security services. In this paper, we present scalable solutions for confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for these systems. We also provide verifiable usage-based accounting services, which are required for e-commerce and e-business applications that use publish/subscribe systems. Our solutions are applicable in a setting where publishers and subscribers may not trust the publish/subscribe infrastructure.
The effect of dose reductions on lesion detection in head CT

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the effect of reducing radiation dose (i.e., mAs) on lesion detection in head CT examinations. We used a simulation package (Syngo Explorer) to reconstruct 5-mm thick CT images of the brain of one patient pertaining to the centrum semiovale, the basal ganglia, and the sella turcica. Lesion detection was measured using two Alternate Forced Choice (2-AFC) experiments that measure the lesion contrast (I92%) corresponding to a detection accuracy of 92%. Two observers performed experiments to investigate detection of low contrast lesions with four sizes ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm and at four x-ray beam intensities ranging from 105 mAs to 300 mAs. Results were plotted as log[I92%] versus log[mAs], and the slopes were measured for each lesion size. Lowering the mAs always reduced lesion detection performance in all images, and for all lesion sizes. Average slopes of the I92% versus mAs curves were -0.23 for 3 mm lesions, -0.16 for 4.5 mm lesions, and ~-0.11 for the 7 and 10 mm lesions. For the smallest lesions investigated (3 mm), doubling the x-ray intensity improved lesion detection performance by ~ 15%, whereas for the largest sized lesions (7 and 10 mm), doubling the tube current improved lesion detection performance by ~ 7%. The observed improvements in detection performance are markedly lower than predicted by the Rose model where a doubling of the tube current would be expected to improve detection performance by 29% at all lesion sizes.
An investigation of induced drag reduction through over-the-wing blowing

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley 16-foot transonic tunnel to verify analytically predicted benefits in climb and cruise performance due to blowing the jet exhaust over the wing for a transport configuration. A wing-body model - powered-nacelle rig combination was tested at Mach numbers of 0.5 and 0.8 at angles of attack from -2 to 4 deg and jet total pressure ratios from jet off to 3 or 4 (depending on Mach number) for a variety of nacelle locations relative to the wing. Results from this investigation show that the induced drag for the wing-body (nacelles were nonmetric) was reduced for virtually all configurations. In addition to the experimental results, comparisons of the data with available prediction methods are included to show their validity and capabilities.
Correlation of Nuclear Volume and DNA Content with Higher Plant Tolerance to Chronic Radiation

The causes of extreme differences in radiosensitivities of different plant (or animal) species have long puzzled radiobiologists. Our investigations show that, for diploid species, the larger the nuclear volume, the more radiosensitive the organism. Correspondingly, species with large nuclei have more deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) per nucleus than those possessing small nuclei. Our data now make it possible to predict fairly accurately the tolerance of plant species to ionizing radiation on the basis of average nuclear volume and DNA content. The same correlations are expected to hold for some microorganisms and for animals and may explain differences in sensitivities of different cell types in many living organisms.
Using a Collaboratory Model to Translate Social Work Research Into Practice and Policy

Objective: The purpose of this article was to examine how an initiative of 10 collaborative projects focused on children and youth have applied principles of participatory research, collaboratories, and technological solutions. Method: The study analyzed multiple forms of qualitative data, including semiannual formative evaluations and semistructured interviews of participating partners. Results: Both the collaborative method and the infusion of technology were central to the functioning of collaboratory projects and, ultimately, the translation from research to practice and policy. The community-based participatory nature of the research projects resulted in applicable findings that were credible with people affected by the issues studied. Conclusions: The present study suggests that when there is steadfast commitment on the part of a diverse group of partners, even simple applications of technology can make a difference.
Trojan Horse, Scapegoat, or Non-Foreign Entity Foreign Policy and Investment Penetration in Poor Countries

This research investigates the association between direct foreign investments and foreign policy behavior in underdeveloped countries. Three conceptualizations of the relationship between these variables are culled from the literature. The first, the Trojan Horse model, regards foreign investments as a means for controlling host states. The second, the Scapegoat model, treats foreign investors and their home countries as targets to blame for the social and economic ills found in underdeveloped hosts. The third, the non-Foreign Entity model, sees foreign investors as attempting to appear as domestic, rather than foreign, firms, with effects on foreign policy being the result of the interdependence between the host and home states that is created by foreign investments. Cross-national research is employed to examine these models. The results do not support the Trojan Horse model but do provide support for both the Scapegoat and non-Foreign Entity models.
Understanding the complex impacts of drought: A key to enhancing drought mitigation and preparedness

Recent droughts in the United States have highlighted the nation’s current and increasing vulnerability to this natural hazard. Drought-related impacts are also becoming more complex, as illustrated by the rapidly rising impacts in sectors such as recreation and tourism, energy, and transportation. Environmental and social consequences are also of increasing importance. Conflicts between water users and disputes between political entities on transboundary water issues are a reflection of the need for improved documentation of the consequences of extended periods of water shortage. Unfortunately, no national drought impact database exists and drought impact statistics are not routinely compiled at the state, regional, or national level. Without this information, it is an arduous task to convince policy and other decision makers of the need for additional investments in drought monitoring and prediction, mitigation, and preparedness. The National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is addressing this problem by creating a web-based Drought Impact Reporter (DIR) that has the following primary functions: (1) to create a database archive of drought impacts information; (2) to provide an interactive map delivery system that is efficient and user-oriented; (3) to build links with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, university research groups and extension programs, and others, including the public, in order to provide timely impact reports to ensure a comprehensive collection of drought impacts across all potential sectors and scales; and (4) to foster a continual process of user feedback, evaluation, assessment, and dissemination of drought impacts. The Drought Impact Reporter was launched in July 2005 and is available on the NDMC’s web site (http://drought.unl.edu).
Environmental Noise Retards Auditory Cortical Development

The mammalian auditory cortex normally undergoes rapid and progressive functional maturation. Here we show that rearing infant rat pups in continuous, moderate-level noise delayed the emergence of adultlike topographic representational order and the refinement of response selectivity in the primary auditory cortex (A1) long beyond normal developmental benchmarks. When those noise-reared adult rats were subsequently exposed to a pulsed pure-tone stimulus, A1 rapidly reorganized, demonstrating that exposure-driven plasticity characteristic of the critical period was still ongoing. These results demonstrate that A1 organization is shaped by a young animal's exposure to salient, structured acoustic inputs-and implicate noise as a risk factor for abnormal child development.
Electron Microscope Study of Cuticular Abrasion on Cotton Leaves in Relation to Water Potential Measurements

Wullschleger, S. D. and Oosterhuis, D. M. 1987. Electron microscope study of cuticular abrasion on cotton leaves in relation to water potential measurements.—J. exp. Bot. 38: 660-667. Accurate determination of plant water potential (f) using thermocouple psychrometers requires vapour equilibrium between the tissue sample and the sensing psychrometer junction. Failure to achieve this equilibrium due to cuticular resistances to vapour movement may introduce significant errors into psychrometrically measured "P. The effect of cuticular abrasion on V equilibration times for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was studied with three types of thermocouple psychrometers, and the extent of surface and cuticular damage was determined with electron microscopy. Water vapour equilibration between the leaf and psychrometer chamber was achieved in approximately 4 h for unabraded controls, whereas abrasion of the leaf with carborundum powder consistently reduced equilibration times to below 2-5 h for all three types of psychrometers. Microscopic observation of abraded leaf tissue indicated that substantial damage to surface structures occurred during the cuticular abrasion process. Scanning electron micrographs revealed localized cellular damage to anastomosing leaf veins and physical disruption of both the stomatal complex and glandular trichomes. Transverse sections viewed with a transmission electron microscope indicated substantial direct damage to the cuticle with large sections of cell wall devoid of a cuticular layer. Although the exposed cell walls were intact, the lateral cell walls were physically compressed and distorted during abrasion. In addition, the cytoplasmic and vacuolar membranes of the epidermal cells were also frequently ruptured. Evaluation of the damage following abrasion indicated that the release of turgor by the affected cells may contribute to increased sample variability and possibly to errors in IF measurements. Key words—Leaf water potential, cuticular resistance, thermocouple psychrometer. Correspondence to: Altheimer Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72703, U.S.A.
The use of bronchial stents in the management of bronchomalacia

Chez un nourrisson opere de cardiopathie congenitale grande deviation du mediastin a droite en periode postoperatoire associee a une hypotention. La bronchoscopie revele une bronchomalacie
Mobility, Disability, and Social Engagement in Older Adults:

Objective: To examine cross sectional associations between mobility with or without disability and social engagement in a community-based sample of older adults. Methods: Social engagement of participants (n = 676) was outside the home (participation in organizations and use of senior centers) and in home (talking by phone and use of Internet). Logistic or proportional odds models evaluated the association between social engagement and position in the disablement process (no mobility limitations, mobility limitations/no disability, and mobility limitations/disability). Results: Low mobility was associated with lower level of social engagement of all forms (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.59, confidence intervals (CI): 0.41-0.85 for organizations; OR = 0.67, CI: 0.42-1.06 for senior center; OR = 0.47, CI: 0.32-0.70 for phone; OR = 0.38, CI: 0.23-0.65 for Internet). For social engagement outside the home, odds of engagement were further reduced for individuals with disability. Discussion: Low mobility is associated wit...
Pediatric sacrococcygeal chordomas: A rare tumor to be differentiated from sacrococcygeal teratoma

Sacrococcygeal chordoma is a rare pediatric neoplasm that may be confused with the more common, and indolent, teratoma. The present report describes the diagnosis, treatment and early postoperative convalescence of a case of chordoma in an adolescent child. This case is contrasted to the sacrococcygeal teratoma, a familiar pediatric neoplasm, and the literature is reviewed with respect to presentation and treatment.
The History of Texas Music

Gary Hartman, College Station, Texas: Texas A&M UP, 2008, ISBN 978-1-60344-001-1/978-1-60344-002-8, 320 pp, $45.00 (cloth), $19.95 (paper) This is shrewd scholarship. Cultural historian Gary Hartma...
Exponential enhancement of field-induced pair creation from the bosonic vacuum

Using numerical solutions to quantum field theory, the creation of boson-antiboson pairs from the vacuum under a very strong localized external electric field is explored. The simulations reveal that the initial linear increase of the number of particles turns into an exponential growth. This self-amplification can be understood as the result of the interaction of the previously generated particles with the creation process. While the number of particles keeps increasing, the spatial shape of the (normalized) charge density of the created particles reaches a universal form that can be related to the bound states of the supercritical potential well. We accompany the space-time resolved quantum field theoretical simulations with a model calculation that allows us to interpret the numerical simulations in terms of simple classical mechanical concepts.
Current issues and new directions in Psychology and Health : Theory, translation, and evidence-based practice

Health psychology has at least two masters; cognitive behavioral theory and clinical and public health practice. We are expected to contribute to theory by creating new models and adding to existent models of human behavior, and to contribute to improvements in health outcomes for the public. In this brief note, we propose that translating concepts from practice into theory to create interventions that meet the standards of evidence-based practice will satisfy both masters. However, the integration will require a re-examination of our current understanding of how to use theory, the process of translation, and the development of pragmatic evidence-based practice.
Energy expenditure characteristics of weight lifting: 2 sets to fatigue

We investigated the work performed and energy expenditure characteristics within and among 2 sets of the bench press at 70%, 80%, and 90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). For both sets fatigue was th...
Instinct, intuition and supraconscious: De‐alienating reflections

Abstract In the West, intuition has been identified with — or somewhere between — the instincts and the gods. The epistemological status of intuition in the Western history of ideas has been muddled and, during our recent rationalistic (modern) period, has been either discounted or dismissed. Intuition's problematic status rests on a skeptical rationalism which is a reactive pole to blind faith. A number of polarities which have accrued from this foundational polarization, including that of the relationship of reason to instinct and intuition, are re‐examined in the light of a transpersonal claim that supraconscious is intuition. This effort seeks to open the path for a more spiritual and vital rationalism while mediating current differences between humanistic and transpersonal psychologists.
Activity of ciprofloxacin against Mycobacteria in vitro: comparison of BACTEC and macrobroth dilution methods

Various clinical isolates of mycobacteria were tested for susceptibility to ciprofloxacin by a standard macrobroth dilution test and the radiometric BACTEC method. Agreement between the two test systems was species dependent: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (80%), M. kansasii with M. scrofulaceum (30%), M. avium-intracellulare (20%), and 0% for the rapidly growing mycobacteria. Most mycobacterial strains other than M. tuberculosis were susceptible to the breakpoint ciprofloxacin concentration of 2 mg/l as determined by BACTEC MICs, whereas none were susceptible by macrobroth testing. Seven of nine M. tuberculosis isolates were susceptible by either method. Ciprofloxacin merits further study as a potential antimycobacterial agent.
Should adult tetanus immunization be given as a single vaccination at age 65? A cost-effectiveness analysis.

Objective: To compare three vaccination strategies for the prevention of adult tetanus. Each strategy includes childhood primary immunization and wound prophylaxis, and one of the following: 1) the currently recommended booster every ten years; 2) a single booster at 65 years of age; or 3) no intervention after age 6 except for wound prophylaxis.
Differential photometry of the δ Sct stars HR 151 and HR 239

Les observations confirment la variabilite de HR 151 et permettent de preciser la periode de HR 239
Cortical auditory neuron interactions during presentation of 3-tone sequences: effective connectivity

The role of cat's primary auditory cortex (AI) in both pattern discrimination and sound localization has been demonstrated by observing that ablations of it disrupt these functions. This research studied effective connectivity variations as a function of modifications in the temporal pattern of acoustic stimulation. Recordings of 10-15 neurons (simultaneously and separably) were made in AI of sedated cats. A bundle of 7 microelectrodes was stereotaxically placed along a tangential path. Stimuli were permutations of 3-tone bursts sequences. Each recorded neuron pair was analyzed off-line by cross-correlation. Cross-correlation of spike trains from neuron pairs showed signatures of direct and/or shared input. These appeared individually or in combination and for most pairs were present in spontaneous conditions. However, in stimulated conditions these spontaneous interactions were strongly modulated. The analysis detected differences in neuronal interaction during presentation of different tones. Similar differences occurred during presentation of any single particular stimulus if there was a history of different immediately previous tones. When individual neuron pair cross-correlations were put together to form an effective connectivity diagram among all recorded neurons, they turned out as different diagrams for different stimulus conditions.
Sternal cleft – A rare congenital malformation

Abstract Sternal cleft is a rare congenital malformation. We present the case of a new-born with complete sternal cleft and skin defect, without any other associated anomaly. Operated on in the neo-natal period, the post-operative recovery was good. She developed a transitory right lateral cervical lymphangioma, which resolved spontaneously. The follow up at 4 years revealed no complications.
SU-E-J-104: Evaluation of Atlas-Based Auto-Segmentation on Daily In-Room CT for Prostate Cancer.

Purpose:Anatomy delineation is a major time consuming task to correct for inter‐fractional changes in anatomy. Atlas‐based auto‐segmentation (ABAS) was developed to expedite this process. This study aims to evaluate the performance of ABAS applying to high quality verification CT‐imaging acquired using a CT‐on‐rail system for prostate cancer.Methods: The prostate, rectum and bladder were manually contoured for seven prostate cancer patients. For each patient, three patient specific atlases were generated consisting of one, four and seven prior image and contour sets. ABAS was applied using these atlases for the last seven daily CTimages of each patient. The auto‐ and manual‐contours were compared both geometrically and dosimetrically. The reproducibility of the observation was validated by an experienced radiation oncologist performing the same procedure. The performance of ABAS with patient and non‐patient specific atlases were also evaluated on 21 image sets. P<0.05 was considered statistical significant for two‐tailed paired student t‐test. Results: Contours obtained from ABAS agreed well with the manual ones. With 1‐image set atlas, the OI and DSC for the bladder were greater than 96% and 91%, respectively. Both indices were above 81% for rectum and prostate. The consistencies significantly improved by including 4 image sets in the atlas, while a further increase of atlas size to 7 did not show obvious benefits. Dose coverage for the auto‐ and manual‐contours was similar for all organs. Similar results were obtained by the second observer. Compared with non‐patient specific atlas, patient specific atlas yielded more accurate contours. The time for ABAS and manual contouring was ∼2 min and ∼20 min per image set, respectively. Conclusions: With diagnostic quality verification images, ABAS can provide fast and accurate delineations for prostate cancer on a daily basis. The inclusion of more than one CT set in atlas improves the contouring results.
The association between parental risk behaviors during childhood and having high risk networks in adulthood

Background Prior research suggests that both social networks and parent drug use influence individual drug use among adolescents and that peers continue to influence drug use among adults. This analysis aims to determine whether parent drug use during childhood is associated with having drug-using networks in adulthood after adjusting for individual adult drug use.
Percutaneous Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neurologic disorder, defined by paroxysmal electric shocklike painful attacks in 1 or more trigeminal nerve branches. Treatment of TN is diverse and includes minimally invasive percutaneous techniques, which consist of balloon compression, glycerol rhizotomy, and radiofrequency thermocoagulation. Although all 3 techniques are generally safe, efficient, and effective, a clear consensus has not been reached regarding their specific indications and degree of efficacy. The aim of this article is to describe the percutaneous treatments available for TN and outline their characteristics, technique, indications and efficacy.
Rostrocaudal Analysis of Corpus Callosum Demyelination and Axon Damage Across Disease Stages Refines Diffusion Tensor Imaging Correlations With Pathological Features

Non-invasive assessment of the progression of axon damage is important for evaluating disease progression and developing neuroprotective interventions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We examined the cellular responses correlated with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-derived axial (λ||) and radial (λ⊥) diffusivity values throughout acute (4 weeks) and chronic (12 weeks) stages of demyelination and after 6 weeks of recovery using the cuprizone demyelination of the corpus callosum model in C57BL/6 and Thy1-YFP-16 mice. The rostro-caudal progression of pathologic alterations in the corpus callosum enabled spatially and temporally defined correlations of pathological features with DTI measurements. During acute demyelination, microglial/macrophage activation was most extensive and axons exhibited swellings, neurofilament dephosphorylation, and reduced diameters. Axial diffusivity values decreased in the acute phase but did not correlate with axonal atrophy during chronic demyelination. In contrast, radial diffusivity increased with the progression of demyelination but did not correlate with myelin loss or astrogliosis. Unlike other animals models with progressive neurodegeneration and axon loss, the acute axon damage did not progress to discontinuity or loss of axons even after a period of chronic demyelination. Correlations of reversible axon pathology, demyelination, microglia/macrophage activation, and astrogliosis with regional axial and radial diffusivity measurements will facilitate the clinical application of DTI in MS patients.