cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of chronic pain among cancer survivors in the United States, 2010‐2017

BACKGROUND There are a growing number of cancer survivors in the United States who are at risk for chronic pain due to cancer disease and treatments. The prevalence of chronic pain among cancer survivors has not been comprehensively reported. METHODS This study used data from the National Health Interview Survey (2010-2017) to compare the prevalence of chronic pain between participants with a cancer diagnosis and participants without one. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of having chronic pain were assessed by multivariable logistic regression, which included an age (less than the median age vs greater than or equal to the median age) × cancer diagnosis (yes vs no) interaction term. Among cancer survivors, multivariable logistic regression defined the odds of feeling depressed, feeling worried/nervous/anxious, being unable to work, and needing assistance for activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). RESULTS Among 115,091 participants, a cancer diagnosis was associated with an increased AOR of chronic pain in comparison with the general population (30.8% vs 15.7%; AOR, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-1.59). Older age was associated with higher odds of chronic pain (P < .001 across all increasing age categories); however, the positive association between older age and chronic pain was seen only in participants without cancer and was not seen in those with a cancer diagnosis (Page×cancer < .001). Among patients reporting a cancer diagnosis, chronic pain was associated with greater odds of feeling depressed, feeling worried/nervous/anxious, being unable to work, and needing assistance with ADLs or IADLs (P < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS Cancer survivors appear to have a high prevalence of chronic pain, which is associated with worse mental, functional, and employment outcomes. Screening and management of chronic pain should be addressed by policymakers to improve cancer survivorship care.
Rh(D) Antigen Expression and Isolation of a New Rh(D) cDNA Isoform in Human Erythroleukemic K562 Cells

Human erythroleukemic K562 cells are known to have several erythroid properties. K562 cells possess Rh mRNAs, but expression of Rh proteins has not previously been reported. We immunoprecipitated Rh protein from K562 cell lysate using rabbit anti-Rh and detected Rh(D) antigens on K562 cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). These results suggest that K562 cells will be useful as an expression model for most Rh antigens. We also cloned a new Rh(D) cDNA isoform (RhK562-II), from a K562 cDNA library using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with 5' and 3' end oligonucleotides of the published Rh(e/E) antigen encoding cDNA sequence as primers. Sequence analysis showed that RhK562-II is composed of 951 nucleotides (316 amino acids), identical to the first 939 nucleotides (exons 1 to 6) of one of the Rh(D) cDNAs (RhXIII), except for nucleotide 654 (C-->G exchange). However, this exchange is the same as that of another published Rh(D) cDNA (RhPII cDNA). RhK562-II is deprived of exons 7 and 8 (nucleotides 940 to 1,153), followed by an identical sequence up to the 3' end of the open-reading frame of the RhXIII cDNA, which causes a frame-shift mutation and produces a premature stop codon. In vitro expression of RhK562-II using the transcription and translation rabbit reticulocyte lysate system produced two major Rh-related proteins (30 kD and 25 kD), which were immunoprecipitated by rabbit polyclonal anti-Rh and separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).
The current study status of risk factors for cryptorchidism

Testis is the core organ of the male urogenital system.The undescended testes (cryptorchidism) not only affect on the development and function of testis after birth, but also affect the other organs in male urogenital system until adult.More and more epidemiologic studies reveal that the incident of cryptorchidism has increased.Although the etiology and related risk factors have been focused, the mechanism of cryptorchidism is still unclear.To learn more about the risk factors is significant to prevent this congenital disease.The current research data about the genetics and environmental factors of cryptorchidism is reviewed in this paper. Key words: Cryptorchidism; Risk factor; Etiology
Dynamic Model of Electro-Hydraulic Pumping Unit Driven by an Asynchronous Motor

The paper presents a model of an electrohydraulic pumping unit driven by a three phase asynchronous motor. The model is presented in its form for reversible variable displacement pump and also in a form for fixed displacement pump. Dynamic simulation and analysis of the model is conducted. The obtained results infer that the model of the electro-hydraulic pumping unit is consistent and reliable.
Surface versus bulk CaCO3 crystals with ethylene vinyl alcohol co-polymers and polyamide thin-film composite membranes

Abstract We conducted experiments to study the influence of material surface chemistry and morphology on the crystallization of calcium carbonate from supersaturated solution containing mixed electrolytes. The study evaluated ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) co-polymers and fluorinated and non-fluorinated polyamide thin film composite membranes to evaluate how surface functional groups impact partitioning of salt crystals between the surface and the bulk fluid. Our methodology and results can aid in developing scaling-resistant thin film composite membranes and in selecting materials for engineered structures exposed to supersaturated solutions. We analyzed turbidity, surface scale deposition, bulk crystal yield, and overall Ca balance to quantify salt crystal adhesion (aka scaling) during exposure to the supersaturated stream and subsequent desupersaturation. Through our studies, we found polyethylene was much more prone to scaling as compared to EVOH. We also show that EVOH containing 56% vinyl alcohol monomer appears to have higher scaling resistance as compared to an EVOH containing 68% vinyl alcohol monomer. These two grades of EVOH were analyzed using atomic force microscopy to elucidate if differences in co-polymer morphology existed; it appears so and this may underlie the measured differences in the salt crystal's surface adhesion. Also, the studies found that the incorporation of fluorine in the polyamide thin film composite membrane surface by means of a novel mono-fluorinated trimesoyl chloride derivative does not impact salt scaling or the total solution de-supersaturation. Our studies provide new insight that not only -OH functional group quantity but also polymer chain configuration and conformation need to be optimized for surfaces that are resistant to calcium carbonate scale buildup.
Safe Affine Transformation-Based Guidance of a Large-Scale Multi-Quadcopter System (MQS)

This paper studies the problem of affine transformation-based guidance of a multi-quadcopter system (MQS) in an obstacle-laden environment. Such MQSs can perform a variety of cooperative tasks including information collection, inspection mapping, disinfection, and firefighting. The MQS affine transformation is an approach to a decentralized leader-follower coordination guided by n +1 leaders, where leaders are located at vertices of an n-D simplex, called leading simplex, at any time t. The remaining agents are followers acquiring the desired affine transformation via local communication. Followers are contained in a rigid-size ball at any time t but they can be distributed either inside or outside the leading simplex. By eigen-decomposition of the affine transformation coordination, safety in a large-scale MQS coordination can be ensured by constraining eigenvalues of the affine transformation. Given the initial and final configurations of the MQS, A-star search is applied to optimally plan safe coordination of a large-scale MQS minimizing the travel distance between the the initial and final configuration. The paper also proposes a proximity-based communication topology for followers to assign communication weights with their in-neighbors and acquire the desired coordination with minimal computation cost.
Investigating How Software Characteristics Impact the Effectiveness of Automated Software Fault Tolerance

A number of publications have examined automated fault tolerance techniques for software running on commercial off-the-shelf microcontrollers. Recently, we published an automated compiler-based protection tool called COmpiler Assisted Software fault Tolerance (COAST), a tool that automatically inserts dual- or triple-modular redundancy into software programs. In this study, we use COAST to explore how the effectiveness of automated fault protection varies between different benchmarks, tested on an ARM Cortex-A9 platform. Our hypothesis is that certain benchmark characteristics are more likely than others to influence the effectiveness of automated fault protection. Through neutron radiation testing at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), we show that cross section improvements vary from $1.6\times $ to $54\times $ across eight benchmark variants. We then explore the characteristics of these benchmarks and investigate how properties of these benchmarks may impact the effectiveness of automated fault protection. Finally, we leverage a novel fault injection platform to isolate two of these benchmark characteristics and validate our hypotheses.
Multiplex immunoassay to measure antibody response to nine HPV vaccine types.

Abstract Well-characterized HPV serology assays are required to evaluate performance of biosimilar candidate vaccines, reduced dosing schedules and novel administration methods. We report characterization of an expanded assay, M9ELISA, that detects antibodies to HPV virus-like particles (VLP) of nine types using direct IgG ELISA on the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) electrochemiluminescence platform. The method is based on the previously published M4ELISA which detects antibodies to HPV6,11,16, and 18. It has been modified to add detection of antibodies to HPV31,33,45,52 and 58, and to streamline assay and reduce background. The M9ELISA plates were prepared with purified type specific L1 + L2 VLPs coated on 10-spot/well standard MSD microplates. Results of ELISA on three serial dilutions of serum were read on MSD imager, and titers calculated using the parallel line method. Evaluations included dynamic range, assay reproducibility, and stability over time. We compared M9ELISA results to those from a pseudovirion-based neutralization assay in sera from a mixed cohort of unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals (n = ~116) and to competitive Luminex immunoassay (cLIA) results in sera from a predominantly unvaccinated cohort (n = 4426). The linear range of the assay extended over 5 logs, with inter-assay reproducibility coefficient of variation ≤25% for all types. The pre-coated plates were stable for at least 2 years. Spearman correlation of antibody titers showed excellent correlation with PBNA (r = 0.86–0.97) and moderate correlation (r = 0.52–0.68) with cLIA. Thus, the M9ELISA can serve as a useful platform for high-throughput, sensitive and simultaneous quantitation of the antibody responses to nine HPV vaccine types.
Propagation and Scattering of High-Frequency and Pulsed Signals in the Presence of a Concave Boundary

High-frequency waves traveling circumferentially along the concave side of a cylindrically curved material surface can serve as a diagnostic tool for imperfections on or near the surface. The propagation and scattering are expressed conveniently by ray fields but such a description becomes invalid for rays that cling close to the concave surface. It is then necessary to account for such rays collectively in terms of guided (whispering gallery) modes or of canonical propagation integrals. The resulting hybrid ray-mode formulation, which can be used for the incident field as well as secondary fields excited by a material imperfection, is physically appealing and numerically efficient. Under transient conditions, a similar hybrid scheme can be employed to combine circumferentially traveling made fields, well suited for the high-frequency portion of the signal spectrum, with the body resonances of the singularity expansion method (SEM) that are more effective at lower frequencies. The purpose of this paper is to call attention to these techniques, which have so far been developed for electromagnetics and acoustics, emphasize their physical content, and indicate how they might be exploited for non-destructive diagnostics.
Brief for Knowledge Ecology International and Universities Allied for Essential Medicines as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs-Appellees, Supporting Affirmance

Amicus ("friend of the court") brief written by Knowledge Ecology International and Universities Allied for Essential Medicines in support of plaintiffs-appellees, supporting affirmance in AMP v. Myriad Genetics (No. 2010-1406).
Competent Enough, But Would You Vote for Her? Gender Stereotypes and Media Influences on Perceptions of Women Politicians

Though research has demonstrated that media coverage of men and women politicians differ, fewer studies have examined the dual influence of gender stereotypes and types of media coverage in influencing public perceptions of women politicians. Study 1 (N = 329) examined how pre-existing attitudes toward women leaders and valence of media message impacted perceptions of a woman senator and evaluations of the media source. Study 2 (N = 246) explored how media focus on a woman politician's personality or ability impacted perceptions of her warmth/likability and competence. Results suggest the media has particular influence on judgments of women politicians' likability (the “competent but cold” effect), providing evidence that women politicians need to be vigilant in monitoring their media depictions.
The Power to Issue Stock

Studies of management's disregard of the will of the shareholders have focused on combinations of entrenchment mechanisms and special governance structures. However, management's power to issue stock, a fundamental element of the ability of management to control the corporation regardless of the will of the shareholders, has received scarce attention. This Article highlights the significance of the power to issue stock: When managers choose to ignore the will of the majority of the shareholders or when managers choose to circumvent the veto power of the minority shareholders, they often take advantage of their power to issue stock. A top-up option, for example, which is studied in this Article, is contingent upon the managers' ability to issue shares and dilute the voting power of dissenting minority shareholders. The poison pill is also contingent upon the managers' ability to dilute a hostile-bidder by issuing shares to the shareholders. The ability of managers to use new stock issues as a shareholder-circumventing mechanism is particularly important. It plays a key role in the management’s arsenal and it provides an incentive for managers to reserve this unique power and refrain from diminishing it by, for example, replacing equity-based compensation and equity-financing with less efficient choices. This Article explores the key power of managers to issue stock as well as the current and potential limitations on this power. One such limitation is the size of the authorized capital of the corporation, which provides a ceiling for the total number of shares that can be issued. The ratio of authorized non-outstanding shares to the issued and outstanding shares, what I shall call the "excess-ratio", is an indicator of the magnitude of the managers' power to issue stock. A study of the excess-ratio reveals that corporations go public with a high excess-ratio the number of unissued authorized shares is more than threefold the number of issued shares. Further results of the study of the excess-ratio are analyzed in this Article.
Allocating usages of voltage security margin in deregulated electric markets

The restructuring of the electricity sector into competitive entities introduces new paradigms to the planners and the operators of the system. One such issue that needs to be evaluated is the decomposition of voltage security margin usage over individual energy transactions. Such a procedure would form the technical basis towards setting up voltage stability pricing strategies. This paper proposes the details of an algorithm to evaluate the voltage security responsibility, in a composite market model framework that has both spot market type and bilateral long-term type transactions. The authors have tested their algorithm on test systems and found the allocation procedure reasonable. The authors conclude by enlisting the vast potential applications that could be achieved through this novel security decomposition scheme.
A 45nm 24MB on-die L3 cache for the 8-core multi-threaded Xeon ® Processor

The 24-way set associative 24MB 8-ported L3 cache for the 8-core Xeon® Processor uses 0.3816 µm02 cell in a 45nm high-K dielectric metal gate technology 9-copper layers. It is protected by double-error correction/triple-error detection ECC. The basic building block is designed to support completely different floorplan styles on 2 processors with large L3 cache. Off die fuse storage enables high resolution repair coverage.
Morphological and molecular evidence that Culex nigripalpus baculovirus is an unusual member of the family Baculoviridae

We present evidence that a newly discovered mosquito virus from Culex nigripalpus is an unusual member of the family Baculoviridae. Development of this virus was restricted to nuclei of midgut epithelial cells in the gastric caeca and posterior stomach. The globular occlusion bodies were not enveloped, measured around 400 nm in diameter, occurred exclusively in nuclei of infected cells and typically contained four, sometimes up to eight, virions. The developmental sequence involved two virion phenotypes: an occluded form (ODV) that initiated infection in the midgut epithelial cells, and a budded form that spread the infection in the midgut. Each ODV contained one rod-shaped enveloped nucleocapsid (40×200 nm). The double-stranded DNA genome was approximately 105–110 kbp with an estimated GC content of 52%. We have sequenced approximately one-third of the genome and detected 96 putative ORFs of 50 amino acids or more including several genes considered to be unique to baculoviruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequences of DNApol and p74 placed this virus in a separate clade from the genera Nucleopolyhedrovirus and Granulovirus. We provisionally assign this virus in the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus, henceforth abbreviated as CuniNPV (for Culex nigripalpus nucleopolyhedrovirus), and suggest that, awaiting additional data to clarify its taxonomic status, it may be a member of a new genus within the family Baculoviridae.
Sheet music cataloging for the non-specialist: the Templeton Collection of Mississippi State University

Cataloging sheet music can seem daunting to a cataloger used to working solely with books and audio-visuals. While some believe only music librarians have what it takes to catalog this format, this article describes how one monographic cataloger at a non-music library handled the challenge. The connection is made between MARC record content and the cataloging rules and illustrative examples, pulled from existing records for items found in the collection, are supplied.
Financial planning via multi-stage stochastic optimization

This paper describes a framework for modeling significant financial planning problems based on multi-stage optimization under uncertainty. Applications include risk management for institutions, banks, government entities, pension plans, and insurance companies. The approach also applies to individual investors who are interested in integrating investment choices with savings and borrowing strategies. A dynamic discrete-time structure addresses realistic financial issues. The resulting stochastic program is enormous by current computer standards, but it possesses a special structure that lends itself to parallel and distributed optimization algorithms. Interior-point methods are particularly attractive. Solving these stochastic programs presents a major challenge for the computational operations research and computer science community.
Dynamic 3-D Indoor Radio Propagation Model and Applications with Radios from 433 MHZ to 2.4 GHz

Proliferation of indoor sensor infrastructure has created a new niche for mobile communications, yet research in indoor radio propagation still has not generated a definite model that is able to 1) precisely capture radio signatures in 3-D environments and 2) effectively apply to radios at a wide range of frequency bands. This paper first introduces the impact of wall obstructions on indoor radio propagation by experimental results through a full cycle of an indoor construction process; it then exploits a dynamic 3-D indoor radio propagation model in a two-story building using radio technologies at both 433 MHz and 2.4 GHz. Experimental measurements and evaluation results show that the proposed 3-D model generates accurate signal strength values at all data evaluation positions. Comparing the two radio technologies, this study also indicates that low frequency radios (such as 433 MHz) might not be attractive for indoor mobile computing applications because of larger experimental errors or constant absence of measurement data.
Cholelithiasis: a complication of cardiac valve surgery in children

Gallstone formation complicating cardiac valve replacement has been amply documented in adults. Two children who developed gallstones shortly after cardiac valve surgery are reported.
Experimental methods for tracking physical aging of thin glassy polymer films by gas permeation

Abstract This paper describes methodologies that have been developed for studying the physical aging of free-standing thin polymer films and its effect on gas permeability. Both solution casting and spin coating methods were used to obtain thin polysulfone films having thicknesses in the range of 400–1000 nm. Ellipsometry has been employed to determine the thicknesses of these thin films. A thin wire frame was used to hold the thin free-standing films while heating above Tg to relax molecular orientation and to erase the ambiguous thermal history resulting from solution casting. The film underwent a significant thickness change during heating above Tg as the polymer chains relaxed. By using the method of this study, the reproducibility of gas permeability change during physical aging was demonstrated as well as the thermoreversibility of physical aging. Comparison of the results obtained by using different methods to support the thin film during heating illustrated the preference for the free-standing scheme developed in this study.
Motivated Information Processing in Groups: A Design of a Computational Model

According to group research, group members often fail to consider critical unique information in a group decision-making setting because of their motivated information-processing behavior. Given the complexity of experimental designs to investigate the problem, agent-based modeling can provide hypotheses that can work as theoretical guidance for future research. The purpose of this paper is to identify human motivations and biases in group information processing relevant to modeling the group decision-making process, and to develop a conceptual framework of a computational model. In this paper, we reviewed the group information-processing literature to identify commonly observed human motivations and biases in information processing. Specifically, we provided an integrated framework by combining the hidden profile model, the motivated information-processing model, and the information asymmetries model. Finally, we provided a design of agents for future modeling of group processes, which uses empirical findings from the literature as the fundamental assumptions about agent behavior.
Dosimetry challenges for implementing emerging technologies

During the last 10 years, radiation therapy technologies have gone through major changes, mainly related introduction of sophisticated delivery and imaging techniques to improve the target localization accuracy and dose conformity. While implementation of these emerging technologies such as image-guided SRS/SBRT, IMRT/IMAT, IGRT, 4D motion management, and special delivery technologies showed substantial clinical gains for patient care, many other factors, such as training/quality, efficiency/efficacy, and cost/effectiveness etc. remain to be challenging. This talk will address technical challenges for dosimetry verification of implementing these emerging technologies in radiation therapy.
Quasi-stationary states of hydrogen

We consider the hydrogen atom within the context of a theory of relativistic quantum mechanics that allows for a probabilistic interpretation of the wave function. We find the radial equation that determines the energy levels of bound states, represented by quasi-stationary states. We compute the order of magnitude of the shifts from the usual spectrum obtained from the Dirac equation, and we find that the leading terms for these corrections are of the order of α6 log α fors-states and α6 for other states. They are small compared to the Lamb shift, which is of the order of α5 log α.
Wind-blown streaks, splotches, and associated craters on Mars: Statistical analysis of Mariner 9 photographs

Crater morphology and size play a major role in determining whether wind-blown streaks emanating from craters or dark splotches within craters will form. Both bright and dark streaks emanate almost exclusively from bowl-shaped craters. Dark splotches are found mainly in flat-floored craters, especially those that are deep and have high rim relief. Trends of dark splotches in the northern to southern midlatitudes closely follow those of bright streaks, suggesting both were formed by similar winds. In the high southern latitudes, on the other hand, dark splotch trends closely follow those of dark streaks. Qualitative models of streak and splotch formation are proposed on the basis of Mariner 9 data.
The impact of resident involvement on post‑operative morbidity and mortality following orthopaedic procedures: a study of 43,343 cases

Few studies have addressed the role of residents’ participation in morbidity and mortality after orthopaedic surgery. The present study utilized the 2005–2010 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) dataset to assess the risk of 30-day post-operative complications and mortality associated with resident participation in orthopaedic procedures. The NSQIP dataset was queried using codes for 12 common orthopaedic procedures. Patients identified as having received one of the procedures had their records abstracted to obtain demographic data, medical history, operative time, and resident involvement in their surgical care. Thirty-day post-operative outcomes, including complications and mortality, were assessed for all patients. A step-wise multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the impact of resident participation on mortality- and complication-risk while controlling for other factors in the model. Primary analyses were performed comparing cases where the attending surgeon operated alone to all other case designations, while a subsequent sensitivity analysis limited inclusion to cases where resident participation was reported by post-graduate year. In the NSQIP dataset, 43,343 patients had received one of the 12 orthopaedic procedures queried. Thirty-five percent of cases were performed with resident participation. The mortality rate, overall, was 2.5 and 10 % sustained one or more complications. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between resident participation and the risk of one or more complications [OR 1.3 (95 % CI 1.1, 1.4); p < 0.001] as well as major systemic complications [OR 1.6 (95 % CI 1.3, 2.0); p < 0.001] for primary joint arthroplasty procedures only. These findings persisted even after sensitivity testing. A mild to moderate risk for complications was noted following resident involvement in joint arthroplasty procedures. No significant risk of post-operative morbidity or mortality was appreciated for the other orthopaedic procedures studied. II (Prognostic).
Current concepts in travelers' diarrhea: epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance and treatment.

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this article is to review recent advances in travelers' diarrhea, which remains one of the most common health problems afflicting individuals from developed countries visiting less affluent regions of the world.Recent findingsA large epidemiologic study done at the point
Implementation Status of Performance Demonstration for Nuclear Power Plant Piping Weld Ultrasonic Examination in Korea

The ASME B&PV code section XI adopted the performance demonstration requirements (Appendix VIII) for the ultrasonic examination of nuclear power plant piping weld in the 1989 winter addenda for the first time. Korea Electric Power Research Institute(KEPRI) and Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company(KHNP) finished developing Korean Performance Demonstration(KPD) system for the ultrasonic examination to apply pressurized light-water and pressurized heavy-water reactor power plants piping weld in accordance with ASME code section XI, appendix VIII on January 2004. KEPRI has been accomplishing the performance demonstration for nuclear power plant piping weld ultrasonic examination in Korea from April 2004. This paper describes the implementation status of the performance demonstration for nuclear power plant piping weld ultrasonic examination in Korea.
Ventricular inversion associated with normally related great vessels.

A patient with ventricular inversion with normally related great vessels and double inlet left ventricle is presented. The patient also showed features of Down's syndrome. Association of ventricular inversion with normally related great vessels is rare and leads to a basic functional state like that of complete transposition of great vessels derived from the connections between the ventricles and great vessels. The association of ventricular inversion with Down's syndrome observed in the case reported represents a rarity.
Cells and gels: implications for mechanics (Keynote address)

That the cell is a gel has been well established. If so, then a logical approach to the understanding of cell function may be through an understanding of gel function. Great strides have been made recently in understanding the principles of gel dynamics. It has become clear that a central mechanism in biology is the polymer-gel phase-transition: a major structural change prompted by a subtle change of environment. Phase-transitions are capable of doing mechanical work, and such mechanisms could be responsible for much of the mechanical work of the cell. Here, we consider this approach. We set up a polymer-gel-based foundation for cell function, and explore the extent to which this foundation explains how the cell goes about its business, with an eye toward mechanics.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Anticipation of aversive visual stimuli is associated with increased insula activation in anxiety-prone subjects.

Background Anticipation is a critical component of affective processing in general and for anxiety in particular. Prior research suggests that the right insula plays an important role in anticipation of affective processing during aversive images. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that individuals with increased anxiety-related temperamental traits (anxiety-prone [AP]) relative to anxiety-normative (AN) subjects would show an exaggerated insula response during anticipation of an aversive image. Methods 16 AP and 16 AN individuals performed a task in the functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner, during which they viewed pictures of spiders and snakes. Subjects were prompted 4–6 sec before the onset of each aversive image. Blood oxygenation level-dependent signal was contrasted during cued anticipation of images versus non-anticipatory task performance as well as viewing images. Results As hypothesized, AP subjects showed greater response than AN subjects in the bilateral insula during anticipation. In addition, these individuals had lower activity within the superior/medial frontal gyrus. During the image presentation phase, AN subjects showed greater activation than AP subjects in the bilateral temporal lobes and left superior frontal gyrus. Moreover, bilateral temporal lobe activation during image presentation was inversely correlated with bilateral insula activation during anticipation both within groups and in the combined group. Conclusions These data suggest that greater activation of the insula during visual anticipation is associated with visual processing of aversive stimuli in AP individuals. Insula hyperactivity might be a common feature in persons with elevated trait anxiety and, as such, might be a neuroimaging marker for anxiety proneness.
Preparation and chemical characterization of plutonium-239 metal used for half-life measurement

Abstract The 239 Pu metal used for the half-life measurement was prepared by an electro-refining process and then chemically characterized by three laboratories. Data are presented for isotopic composition, total plutonium content, and metal and nonmetal impurities including other actinides.
Theoretical Prediction and Experimental Tests of Conformational Switches in Transition States of Diels−Alder and 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions to Enol Ethers

Transition structures for the cycloadditions of butadiene, acrolein, nitrosoethylene, and methylenenitrone to 1-butene, silyl vinyl ether, and methyl vinyl ether have been located using ab initio RHF theory with the 3-21G basis set and with density functional theory using the Becke3LYP functional and the 6-31G* basis set. The computational results show that there is a switch in the conformation of the enol ether from syn (COCC = 0°), which is favored by 2.3 kcal/mol in the reactant, to anti (COCC = 180°), which is favored by 1.2−6.6 kcal/mol in the various transition structures studied here. The results are consistent with the experimental stereoselectivities in reactions of chiral enol ethers observed by Denmark and Reissig. The preference of the anti conformation in the transition structures is due primarily to electrostatic effects and, to a lesser extent, steric effects. The preference is predicted to be influenced significantly by polar solvents. The magnitude of this preference was calculated theore...
Tracking the dominant frequency of the EEG by phase-locked loop demodulation

Abstract A method is described for tracking changes in the dominant frequency of the EEG on-line. It is based on the principle of phase-locked loop demodulation and uses a monolithic integrated circuit. The low cost (a few dollars), the small size and low power consumption of this device make it useful for long-term monitoring of the EEG.
Mobility gap profiles in Si:H intrinsic layers prepared by H2-dilution of SiH4: effects on the performance of p–i–n solar cells

Abstract Insights into the growth processes and microstructural evolution for intrinsic (i) hydrogenated silicon (Si:H) films obtained from real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) are extended to the characterization of the optoelectronic properties of the corresponding solar cells. Numerical modeling of the J–V characteristics and their temperature dependences support the RTSE results and provide new information about the optoelectronic properties of the i-layer materials. Experimental results are presented that strongly suggest changes in the mobility gap of the i-layer materials as their microstructure evolves with thickness, further confirming the important effect of the hydrogen dilution ratio R (R≡[ H 2 ]/[ SiH 4 ]) on the transitions from the amorphous to the microcrystalline phase in plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD).
Pressure fluctuations on an oscillating trailing edge

Turbulent boundary layers separating from a blunt trailing edge give rise to organized vortical structures in the downstream wake. The perturbation of this inherent flow-instability at f0 by controlled oscillations of the edge at fe produces corresponding, organized components of unsteady surface pressure along the edge. For edge excitation near the ‘natural’ vortex shedding frequency f0, the phase between the local pressure fluctuations and the edge displacement shows large changes for small changes in excitation frequency. Moreover, in this range of excitation, there is quenching (or attenuation) of the surface pressure component at f0 and resonant peaking of the component at fe. These phenomena are related to the change in sign of the energy transfer between the fluid and the body. Integration of the instantaneous pressure distributions along the surfaces of the edge leads to the instantaneous lift at fe and f0 acting upon the oscillating trailing edge. The location of the lift varies as the cotangent of the dimensionless time during an oscillation cycle. When the edge is excited near, or at, the natural vortex shedding frequency, there is a resonant peak in the amplitude of oscillation of the lift location at fe; that at f0 is invariant. Moreover, the mean location of the lift at fe undergoes abrupt changes in this region of excitation. Flow visualization allows determination of the phasing of the organized vortical structures shed from the trailing edge relative to the edge displacement. Modulation of the flow structure at the frequencies f0 and fe, as well as interaction of small-scale vortices at high excitation frequencies, was observed. These aspects of the near-wake structure are related to the instantaneous pressure field.
Three-dimensional brain reconstruction of in vivo electrode tracks for neuroscience and neural prosthetic applications

The brain is a densely interconnected network that relies on populations of neurons within and across multiple nuclei to code for features leading to perception and action. However, the neurophysiology field is still dominated by the characterization of individual neurons, rather than simultaneous recordings across multiple regions, without consistent spatial reconstruction of their locations for comparisons across studies. There are sophisticated histological and imaging techniques for performing brain reconstructions. However, what is needed is a method that is relatively easy and inexpensive to implement in a typical neurophysiology lab and provides consistent identification of electrode locations to make it widely used for pooling data across studies and research groups. This paper presents our initial development of such an approach for reconstructing electrode tracks and site locations within the guinea pig inferior colliculus (IC) to identify its functional organization for frequency coding relevant for a new auditory midbrain implant. Encouragingly, the spatial error associated with different individuals reconstructing electrode tracks for the same midbrain was less than 65 µm, corresponding to an error of ~1.5% relative to the entire IC structure (~4-5 mm diameter sphere). Furthermore, the reconstructed frequency laminae of the IC were consistently aligned across three sampled midbrains, demonstrating the ability to use our method to combine location data across animals. Hopefully, through further improvements in our reconstruction method, it can be used as a standard protocol across neurophysiology labs to characterize neural data not only within the IC but also within other brain regions to help bridge the gap between cellular activity and network function. Clinically, correlating function with location within and across multiple brain regions can guide optimal placement of electrodes for the growing field of neural prosthetics.
Great profits from great teams

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explicate the universal theme of teamwork within organizations as a performance factor toward effective and efficient library cost savings and long‐term group success.Design/methodology/approach – Focusing on lessons from the past, along with current research and experience, library managers can gain insight into tried and true actions increasing the potential for team success essential for smooth operations.Findings – A multitude of elements contribute to effective team management. The cultivation of creativity, the resolution and anticipation of conflict, the blending of physical and virtual interaction and a focus on external environments are key.Originality/value – This paper provides a comparison of current team dynamics with those of the past to show that merely the context of good team management has changed while the core goal of library team management has remained.
Brigit Pegeen Kelly's BLACK SWAN as Ars Poetica

In Brigit Pegeen Kelly's “Black Swan,” a mother tells her son a story about his origins: he was sleeping under a bush in a secret garden, entwined with a black swan, when she caught him up and slip...
Normal Vibrations and Friction Under Harmonic Loads: Part II—Rough Planar Contacts

Nonlinear normal contact vibrations, excited by the application of a dynamic normal load to the contact region formed between rough surfaces, are studied using the method of multiple scales. The planar rough surface is described by the Greenwood and Williamson model. The contact region behaves as a nonlinear spring in parallel with a viscous damper, and supports a rigid mass. It is shown that the average contact separation in the presence of dynamic loading is greater than the static separation under the same average load. In contrast to some previous results, this increase in average separation does not result in a significant change in the average friction force.
Chronic Daily Headache.

The therapy of chronic daily headache (CDH) is complex and involves a combination of drugs, supportive psychotherapy, nondrug therapy, “tender-loving care,” and “tough love.” CDH is a chronic problem with exacerbations and remissions. Patients with CDH often manifest mood disorders, and recognition and treatment of these problems is a key component of success. The use of preventative antimigraine therapy is a major component of treatment of this condition. Patients with exacerbations may need judicious short courses of medications that can produce medication-overuse headache. Patients may switch to another physician to get opiates or other pain relief medications. The patient may later realize this mistake and return to the physician. Use of patient “contracts,” in which the patient agrees not to take more than a prescribed amount of restricted medication or seek it elsewhere, may be helpful. In this area, there is no standard patient or standard therapeutic regimen. The treatment plan must be individualized for each patient. Taking a little extra time to talk with patients and discuss medications, procedures, and goals and objectives may pay bigger dividends in the therapeutic relationship later in the course of treatment.
Rectal suppositories of 8-methoxsalen produce fewer gastrointestinal side effects than the oral formulation

Abstract Background: Gastrointestinal side effects are associated with the oral ingestion of 8-methoxsalen (8-MOP), including the liquid and crystalline formulations. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with 8-MOP could be decreased by altering the route of administration. Methods: In an open pilot study, 8-MOP rectal suppositories were given to six patients with psoriasis vulgaris who had significant nausea or abdominal pain with the oral liquid form of the drug. Results: On a scale of 0 to 5, this group of patients reported a mean score of 4.4 for nausea, 0.3 for vomiting, 2.1 for abdominal pain, and 1.3 for headaches with oral 8-MOP. With the suppository form, the mean scores were 0 for nausea, 0 for vomiting, 0 for abdominal pain, and 0 for headaches. These latter values represent scores for the entire treatment period. Clinical severity scores of psoriasis improved from a mean of 6.5 (maximum possible score=9) at the start of the trial to a mean of 1 at its conclusion. Plasma 8-MOP levels of more than 100 ng/ml were observed in all patients who received the suppositories; in only one patient were the 8-MOP plasma levels significantly higher with the oral form than with the rectal form. Conclusion: Rectal suppositories of 8-MOP were associated with significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects than the oral form of the drug; this was accomplished without compromising clinical efficacy.
EFFECT OF VACUUM AND RIGOR CONDITION ON CURE ABSORPTION IN TUMBLED PORCINE MUSCLES

Three major ham muscles were isolated, trimmed, and placed in a tumbler either 4 or 48 hr postmortem with 18% curing solution. Either vacuum or no vacuum was applied. Brine absorption within whole muscles was monitored by taking samples at three different depths during 13.47 hr of intermittent tumbling and after the curing period at 24 hr. Results indicate that vacuum and prerigor state independently increase the absorption of NaCl (P > 0.01). After the first hour of continuous tumbling the outer sample depth attained 2.15% NaCl and then decreased, but the concentration of NaCl in the inner two depths increased linearly with log time (P > 0.01). After 24 hr a homogeneous cure distribution was not found as the NaCl content in the depths was markedly different. Breaking strengths of ham slices were found to be greater when vacuum tumbling was used (P > 0.001). Thus vacuum is implicated in increased cure absorption and binding functionality.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Modulates the Interactions of the Interphotoreceptor Retinoid-binding Protein with 11-cis-Retinal

Rapid transport of retinoids across the interphotoreceptor matrix is a critical part of the visual cycle, since it serves to replenish bleached rhodopsin with its chromophore 11-cis-retinal. The transport of retinoids in the interphotoreceptor matrix is believed to be mediated by the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP), a protein that, in addition to possessing two retinoid-binding sites, associates in vivo with long chain fatty acids. Here, the interrelationships between binding of the two types of ligands to IRBP were studied. The composition of fatty acids associated with IRBP in bovine retina was determined, and it was found that polyunsaturated fatty acids constitute a significant fraction of those. It was further found that docosahexaenoic acid, but not palmitic acid, induced a rapid and specific release of 11-cis-retinal from one of the protein's retinoid-binding sites. Based on these results and on the additional observation that a steep concentration gradient of docosahexaenoic acid exists between photoreceptor and pigment epithelium cells, a model for the mechanism by which IRBP may target 11-cis-retinal to photoreceptor cells is proposed.
Stroke prevention screening program

Stroke undoubtedly is one of the most devastating events experienced by humans. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the adult population in the United States and the No. 1 cause of disability after 60 years of age. One out of four stroke victims die within 1 month. Many stroke victims would rather die than live without their dignity and quality of life. With the increase in the elderly population and the risk of stroke almost doubling every decade after 55 years of age, it is increasingly important to reduce the incidence of strokes. Stroke prevention screenings are an excellent opportunity to identify and educate persons who have significant stroke risk factors. Guidelines outlined by the National Stroke Association are described clearly in this step-by-step process of a stroke prevention screening. A unique modification of the National Stroke Association guidelines was the use of a carotid artery ultrasound screening to detect persons with significant carotid artery disease. This step in the screening replaced listening for carotid bruits. Seven carotid artery endarterectomies (of 385 participants) have been performed as a result of the screenings. Prevention of strokes through aggressive risk factor reduction cannot be overemphasized.