cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating postmortem interval for human cadavers in a sub-tropical climate using UV-Vis-near-infrared Spectroscopy.

Estimating postmortem interval (PMI) of surface found skeletal remains is challenging. This novel study used UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy to scan soil collected from cadaver decomposition islands (CDIs) ranging from 15- to 963-d postmortem and control soils. A decomposition product spectra model (DPS model) was constructed by deducting the control soil spectra from the CDI soil spectra for the estimation of postmortem indices: PMI (d), ADD4 , ADD10 , and ADD20 . The DPS model (n = 55) was calibrated and subjected to a full cross-validation. Calibration R2 and RPD for the DPS model ranged from 0.97 to 0.99 and from 6.1 to 9.9, respectively, for the four postmortem interval indices. Validation R2 and RPD for the DPS model ranged from 0.73 to 0.80 and from 1.9 to 2.2, respectively. The DPS model estimated postmortem intervals for three test CDIs in a clay soil under perennial grassland (test set 1; n = 3) and six CDIs in a sandy soil under a loblolly pine forest (test set 2; n = 6). Test set 1 had PMI prediction ranges from -69 to -117 days, -796 to +832 ADD4 , +552 to +2672 ADD10 , and -478 to -20 ADD20 of observed PMI. Test set 2 PMI prediction ranged from -198 to -65 days, -9923 to +2629 ADD4 , -6724 to +1321 ADD10 , and -2850 to +540 ADD20 of observed PMI. Test set 2 had poor predictions for two CDIs, for all measures of postmortem indices resulting in discussion of sampling depth, effect of body mass index (BMI), and scavenging.
A Personalized Patient Teaching Session at the Time of Radiation Simulation May Improve Patient Satisfaction Scores.

Abstract Purpose Radiation therapy simulation is an excellent time for patient education. We implemented a comprehensive personalized patient experience-focused (PX) teaching session at the time of simulation and assessed its effect using patient satisfaction scores. Methods and Materials From February 2016 to June 2018, a single PX-trained radiation therapy therapist met patients at simulation to address and resolve all treatment-related questions. Results from a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved voluntary patient satisfaction tool were used to assess the effect of this intervention, using tools the patients received during the on-treatment period. Scores from patients contacted by the PX therapist were compared with those of noncontacted patients. Results For the survey, 1369 patients were contacted (median contact duration, 23 minutes; range, 0-117). Of 732 surveys submitted during this time, 98 were from on-treatment patients (69 contacted, 29 not contacted). The majority of contacted patients and survey responders were women (64% and 62%, respectively), patients with breast cancer (38%, 41%), and patients who had received curative therapy (82%, 69%). Scores from contacted patients were significantly higher for 10 of the 17 questions (registration helpfulness, P = .03; registration wait time, P = .048; facility way finding, P = .03; facility cleanliness, P = .01; treatment staff skill, P = .03; treatment staff concern for questions, P = .003; response to concerns, P = .01; staff worked together, P = .01; overall rating of care, P = .01; and likelihood of recommending care, P = .04) and 4 of the 5 domains (registration, P = .04; facility, P = .03; personal issues, P = .02; overall assessment, P = .002). Conclusions Contact by a PX therapist was associated with higher patient satisfaction scores, including areas specifically addressed by the PX teaching session (concerns for questions, response to concerns) as well as other areas (cleanliness, registration wait time).
Leak Associated With the Measurement of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure: Three Methods of Measuring Cuff Pressure–A Bench Study

Background: During mechanical ventilation, endotracheal tube cuff pressure must be controlled and monitored regularly to avoid complications such as air leak, aspiration, and tracheal injury. Common methods of measuring and adjusting cuff pressure are a syringe and stopcock connected to a manometer, a squeeze bulb connected to a manometer (Cufflator) and an electronic/pneumatic inflator/monitor (Intellicuff). The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in cuff pressure associated with those devices, in the laboratory. Methods: We measured the changes in cuff pressure 10 times each using the Posey Cufflator, a syringe and stopcock connected to a water manometer, and Intellicuff. Measurements were made in-vitro using an adult airway management trainer intubated with an 8.0 mm ID ETT. Cuff pressures were initially set to 30 cm H2O with a water manometer in-line. The cuff inflation devices were disconnected, and cuff pressures were measured again. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Cuff pressure decreased 1.9 + 0.31 cm H2O upon reconnection of the Cufflator (P
CONE (Creativity, Originality, and Novelty of Expression) Projects: Explaining Course Concepts through Creative Thinking.

Creative thinking is an important learning outcome for students because it can help students learn course concepts and help prepare students for the workforce. This article explains an assignment w...
Lexical Stress-Based Morphological Decomposition and Its Application for Ukrainian Speech Recognition

This paper presents an approach to word morphological decomposition based on lexical stress modeling. Word segmentation quality is estimated by a hidden variable that assigns the lexical stress. The formulated segmentation criterion is based on a training set of words with manually pointed stresses and a large text corpus. The described search algorithm finds one or more segmentations with the best likelihood. Given arguments confirm the necessity to distinguish stressed and unstressed vowels in the phoneme alphabet for Ukrainian speech recognition systems. The developed tool allows to assign primary lexical stress in unknown words. Experimental research is described and results are discussed.
Electrodes for lithium batteries

Abstract The several constraints imposed on the selection of electrode materials fora secondary lithium battery are reviewed. Some structural and electronic considerations that must be taken into account in the design of an electrode material are discussed.
Modeling and Analyzing the Software Architecture of a Communication Protocol Using SAM

SAM is a general framework for modeling and analyzing software architectures. In this paper, we apply SAM to model and analyze a popular alternating-bit communication protocol. To compare with other existing formalization of this communication protocol and to show the salient features of SAM, we provide two specifications of the communication protocol — one without a timer and one with a timer. Furthermore we explore two different translation approaches using the model checking language SMV, and compare their effectiveness. We provide some general rules, including rules to deal with timing issues, to translate predicate transition nets into SMV specifications so that automatic verification of systems properties through model checking can be done.
A Review of “Geography and Vision: Seeing, Imagining and Representing the World”

Despite the implied disavowal of theoretically driven research in the book's introduction, Denis Cosgrove's Geography and Vision has parallels to his much earlier work, Social Formation and Symboli...
Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue arising in the pleura

A 77-year-old Haitian woman complained of two months history of cough and left upper quadrant abdominal pain. She had a remote history of tuberculosis that was treated back in Haiti many years ago. Imaging studies showed a left pleural effusion with posterior pleural thickening as well as lymphadenopathy in the left hilum and left supraclavicular area. The Pleural biopsy was consistent with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (EMZL/MALT). The supraclavicular lymph node also showed partial involvement by EMZL/MALT but was largely effaced by non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Culture from this lymph node grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Primary pleural lymphoma is a rare entity and to the best of our knowledge only ten cases of pleural EMZL/MALT have been reported.We report a new case and a review of literature.
Inducible Synthesis of Bacterial Luciferase: Specificity and Kinetics of Induction

Abstract A nitrate-utilizing strain of marine bacteria was isolated in which luciferase was inducible by l-arginine. The induction was highly specific; structural analogues of arginine were ineffective, as were other natural amino acids. Several metabolites of arginine acted as weak inducers but did not affect the rate of induction in limiting concentrations of arginine. Hence, these compounds probably exerted a sparing effect on intracellular arginine. The kinetics of induction were followed by measurement of light output from intact cells, under conditions in which in vivo light output was determined only by the luciferase level. No enzyme appeared in the cells for 12 min after the addition of inducer, although the primary structure of the luciferase molecule was apparently synthesized within 2 to 4 min. It is proposed that during the remaining 8 to 10 min a precursor of luciferase was converted to active enzyme. The differential rate of synthesis rose during the first 5 min of induction, apparently as messenger ribonucleic acid accumulates in the cells; thereafter it remained constant for approximately 100 min.
Surgical management of secondary glaucoma after pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for complex retinal detachment.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the outcomes of surgical intervention for secondary glaucoma after pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for repair of complex retinal detachment. Design Retrospective noncomparative interventional case series. Participants Forty-three eyes of 43 patients who underwent incisional surgery for secondary glaucoma after pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for repair of complex retinal detachment over a 9-year period. Main outcome measures Intraocular pressure (IOP), intraoperative and postoperative complications, visual acuity, and the need for further surgical intervention for glaucoma. Success was defined as IOP ≤21 mmHg and ≥5 mmHg with or without medication but without surgical reoperation for glaucoma. Results Findings associated with elevated IOP included emulsified oil in the anterior chamber (n = 14), pupillary block from silicone oil (n = 13), open-angle glaucoma without silicone oil in the anterior chamber (n = 9), and angle-closure glaucoma without pupillary block (n = 7). The mean (± standard deviation) IOP was 41.4 ± 15.1 mmHg before surgery for glaucoma and 17.2 ± 10.2 mmHg after an average follow-up of 19.6 months ( P P = 0.027). Of three patients who underwent glaucoma surgery alone to control IOP, one failed because of hypotony. There was no significant change in visual function at last follow-up (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] 2.01) compared with preoperative visual function (logMAR 2.07, P = 0.74). Conclusion Surgical management of secondary glaucoma after silicone oil injection for complex retinal detachment may achieve good IOP control and stabilization of visual function in most patients. Patients who undergo silicone oil removal alone to control IOP are more likely to have persistent elevation of IOP and possibly undergo reoperation for glaucoma, whereas patients who undergo concurrent silicone oil removal and glaucoma surgery are more likely to have hypotony.
An Independent Analysis of Flexible Cystoscope Repairs and Cost

Purpose: To establish the repair patterns of flexible cystoscopes we performed a systematic review of repairs performed at an independent endoscope repair company.Materials and Methods: Repair and cost data for 2000 to 2004 were obtained from an independent endoscope repair company. All cystoscopes underwent a detailed inspection using a preset protocol and the frequency of individual repair descriptions was extracted from a computer database.Results: A total of 1,150 repairs were performed on the Olympus™ CYF (3%), CYF-2 (21%), CYF-3 (56%) and CYF-4 (20%) flexible cystoscopes. Repairs to the distal tip (28% of all repairs) most commonly involved the bending rubber or outer polymer sheath. Repairs to the hand control segment (14% of all repairs) most commonly involved the ocular. Repairs for image (14% of all repairs) and deflection (9%) were most commonly performed on the fiberoptic bundle and wires, respectively. Repairs to the deflection apparatus comprised a significantly greater proportion of total r...
Appropriateness of cervical cancer screening

Abstract For the Pap test to be appropriate for the early detection of cervical cancer there should be good evidence that it is effective, its expected benefits should outweigh any risks, and its costs should be reasonable. Although the value of the Pap test has never been determined in a randomized controlled trial, its effectiveness has been demonstrated indirectly in dozens of clinical and epidemiological studies conducted over the past 3 decades. This paper reviews that evidence. It also examines in detail the effectiveness, costs, and potential risks of delivering the test at various frequencies. Issues discussed include the yield of invasive cancers, the results of large screening programs in which the test was delivered at different frequencies, statistical estimates of the "cost/effectiveness" of screening at different frequencies, the false-negative rate, laboratory quality control, and the screening of high-risk women.
Poly(caprolactone) shape memory scaffold for bone tissue engineering

Using synthetic scaffolds as a vessel for bone tissue engineering is a promising technique that could address current limitations associated with autologous grafts, such as donor site scarcity and morbidity. In this study, we aimed to synthesize a biocompatible scaffold with controllable pore morphology that could be used to fill critical size defects through the shape memory effect. To achieve this goal we used a porogen-leaching technique in which a shape memory poly(caprolactone) (PCL) was cured in the presence of salt particles, which were subsequently removed to create high porosity in the scaffold. The overall shape memory behavior of the scaffold was investigated and it was found that the material exhibited greater than 99 % shape fixing and 93 % shape recovery. Preliminary cell culture studies on a non-triggered scaffold showed that cells readily attached to the material and remained viable within the scaffold.
Behavioral treatment for depression: an evaluation of therapeutic components

Designed study to determine the "active ingredients" in Lewinsohn's behavioral treatment for depression. Fifty-six men and women were screened for significant depression and were assigned to four experimental treatment groups: (1) an activities-increase group instructed to increment participation in reinforcing activities; (2) an expectancy-control group that participated in a fitness program; (3) a self-monitoring control that simply recorded activities and mood daily; and (4) an attention-control group. Consistent with an operant model of depression, the resulted indicated that increases in activities that Ss had rated as pleasureable alleviated depressed mood over a 30--day time period. While all Ss evidenced some improvement in mood, the activities-increase group showed significantly greater improvement than Ss in groups that did not increase their activity levels. Correlational analyses of daily activity and Depression Adjective Check List Scores proved additional support for the behavioral model of depression. The outcome for the four experimental groups was not different on a measure of belief in internal vs. external control of reinforcement.
Clinical Impression Versus Standardized Questionnaire: The Spinal Surgeon’s Ability to Assess Psychological Distress

Background: Psychological distress can affect spine surgery outcomes. A majority of spinal surgeons do not use standardized questionnaires to assess for psychological distress and instead rely on their clinical impressions. The ability of spinal surgeons to properly assess patients with psychological distress has not been adequately evaluated. Our hypothesis was that the clinical impressions of spinal surgeons were not as accurate as a standardized questionnaire in assessing for psychological distress. Methods: A prospective study was performed with eight physicians, four spinal surgeons and four nonoperative spine specialists, who evaluated 400 patients. All patients completed the Distress and Risk Assessment Method (DRAM) questionnaire for the evaluation of psychological distress. The eight physician subjects, blinded to the results of this questionnaire, performed their routine clinical evaluation and categorized the patients’ psychological distress level. The results of the Distress and Risk Assessment Method questionnaire and the surgeons’ assessments were compared. Results: In the study population of 400 patients, 64% (254 of 400) were found to have some level of psychological distress. Twenty-two percent (eighty-seven of 400) of the patients were found to have high levels of distress. Overall, the physicians’ rate of sensitivity when assessing patients with high levels of distress was 28.7% (95% confidence interval: 19.5%, 39.4%) with a positive predictive value of 47.2% (95% confidence interval: 33.3%, 61.4%). Nonoperative spine specialists had a significantly higher sensitivity rate when assessing highly distressed patients (41.7% [95% confidence interval: 25.5%, 59.2%]) than surgeons (19.6% [95% confidence interval: 9.8%, 33.1%]) (p = 0.03). The sensitivity rates between experienced (greater than ten years in practice) (14.7% [95% confidence interval: 5.0%, 31.1%]) and less experienced (less than two years in practice) (29.4% [95% confidence interval: 10.3%, 56.0%]) spinal surgeons was not significant (p = 0.27). Conclusions: A large percentage of patients (64%) presenting for spine evaluation have some level of psychological distress. When compared with a standardized questionnaire designed to screen for psychological distress, spinal surgeons had low sensitivity rates to detect this distress. The routine use of a standardized questionnaire to screen for psychological distress should be considered. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Japanese oceanographic and marine biological stations

On a recent mission to Japan for the United States Navy, the author was afforded an opportunity to interview representatives of the oceanographic and marine biological laboratories of the home islands, Korea and Formosa, In all, 83 members of 41 oceanographic institutions and university departments concerned with various aspects of oceanography were interviewed. To facilitate comparison of the prewar and present status of the institutions, the following resume has been prepared in the same form as that in the catalogue published by the National Academy of Sciences [Vaughan, 1937], The item on income, however, has in most instances been omitted, since future financial support cannot be predicted at this time.
Endogenous opioid systems and neural cancer: transmission and scanning electron microscopic studies of murine neuroblastoma in tissue culture.

Endogenous opioid systems participate in carcinogenic events. To understand further the action of opioids on growth, S20Y neuroblastoma cells in tissue culture were exposed to i) [Met5]-enkephalin, a naturally occurring opioid pentapeptide, at a concentration (10(-6) M) that inhibits cell replication by 66% of control levels, ii) [Met5]-enkephalin (10(-6) M) and the opioid antagonist naloxone (10(-6) M) which blocks opioid agonist action, or iii) naltrexone (10(-6) M), a potent antagonist that disrupts endogenous opioid-opioid receptor interaction and increased cell number 76% above control values. The morphology of cells exposed to these agents for 2-4 days were similar to controls (i.e., exposed to sterile water) as determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. These results support the hypothesis that endogenous opioid systems act as trophic factors as they regulate growth; their effects on cell growth and survival, however, do not alter the basic ultrastructural morphology of the cells. Moreover, these data strengthen the validity of paradigms and therapeutic regimens that utilize opioid agonists and antagonists to modulate the relationship of endogenous opioid-opioid receptor interactions in neural cancer.
A New Chapter for the Journal

This issue of Sexuality Research and Social Policy (SRSP) marks a milestone in the journal's history, as we have moved to a new publisher, Springer Science+Business Media. This partnership signals a new profile and growth of the journal, now in 2010, entering its seventh year. We are excited to join forces with Springer (www.springer.com), a leading global scientific publisher of books and journals. In the science, technology, and medicine sector, the group publishes about 2,000 journals and more than 6,500 new books a year, as well as the largest eBook Collection worldwide. Springer has operations in about 20 countries in Europe, USA, and Asia, and more than 5,000 employees. As the field of sexuality research and policy continues to advance and grow, our new association with Springer ensures an international platform and ever-increasing readership for the journal. SRSP began as a publication of the National Sexuality Resource Center and was initially supported by the Ford Foundation and housed at San Francisco State University. However, it quickly moved to the University of California Press, which in 2005 began publishing the journal and shepherded its growth through five volumes and 20 issues including over 125 original empirical and theoretical articles. The many relevant, timely, and important topics published in the journal reflect major themes in the field, such as high-profile research and themed issues related to evaluation of abstinence-only programs, HIV/AIDS and criminalization, disability and sexual rights, sexuality and aging, to name a few of the host of significant areas. The authors and guest editors have been among the leaders in their fields, and their contributions in this journal have been cited in many other research venues, media, and congressional briefings. We look forward to this next stage in the development of this journal and the field through an expansion of the reach and ground of Sexuality Research and Social Policy, building upon the increasing popularity and respect it has received and the publishing resources of Springer. For example, the journal will now offer both an online and print version, as well as publishing “on demand.” Springer's Online First functionality promises fast publication, as accepted papers are published online as soon as they are finalized, often months ahead of scheduled issue publication dates. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and your contributions to its pages. We would like to invite you to consider new submissions to the journal in the coming months and years. Please visit the journal's homepage (springer.com/13178) for author instructions and other information. When visiting, please sign up for SpringerAlerts for this journal—it's easy and free, and you'll receive notice when each issue of the journal is published.
Deficiency in Fertilization by Morphologically Abnormal Sperm Produced by azh Mutant Mice

Male mice homozygous for the azh mutation produce spermatozoa with abnormal head shapes and have significantly reduced fecundity, to between 5% and 10% that of wild-type or heterozygous mice. Several possible causes of this infertility were investigated. No gross endocrine disorders in azh/azh male mice were observed, and they exhibited apparently normal mating behavior. In addition, their sperm were motile, were capable of hyperactivated motility, and did not show premature acrosome reactions. However, quantitative analysis revealed slight but significant reductions in several motility parameters. Analysis of embryos following mating of azh/azh males with superovulated females indicated a reduction in the number of fertilized eggs compared to control matings. In vitro, spermatozoa from azh/azh mice failed to fertilize cumulus-intact/zona-intact and cumulus-free/zona-intact ova, although they successfully fertilized zona-free ova. These results indicate that the primary defect in fertility of azh/azh male mice is a result of sperm quality, likely, in sperm morphology, and is manifest at the level of interaction with the zona pellucida.
An Investigation of Flow Regimes Affecting the Mexico City Region

Abstract The Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) is used to investigate the detailed mesoscale flow structure over the Mexico City region for a 3-day period in February 1991. The model simulation is compared with rawinsonde and tethersonde profile data and measurements from two surface stations in the southwestern part of Mexico City. The model results show that downward momentum transfer from aloft increases southerly winds near the surface on the first case day, effectively sweeping pollution from the basin surrounding Mexico City. Thermally driven circulations within the basin, in adjacent valleys, and over the slope of the Mexican Plateau strongly influence winds within the Mexico City basin on the second case day. These wind systems produce a complex interaction of flows, culminating in the propagation of a 1-km-deep density current circulation through Mexico City that displaces the polluted basin air mass aloft. Regional northeasterly flows develop early in the morning of the third case day ...
“Sophisticated People Versus Rednecks”: Economic Restructuring and Class Difference in America’s West

In this paper, we argue for the importance of constructing a human geography of white class difference. More particularly, we present a theoretical framework for understanding the cultural politics of class and whiteness in the context of rural restructuring. We theorize these politics through an examination of the national discourse of redneck that has emerged in the US. We analyze the term “redneck” as one of several rhetorical categories that refer to rural white poor people. We argue that while various terms are employed in geographically specific ways and cannot be used interchangeably, they nonetheless function similarly in positioning the white rural poor. Our examination of redneck discourse exemplifies these processes and points up the need for a broader analysis of representational strategies that reinforce class difference among whites. Drawing upon three case studies of white rural poverty, we deconstruct these imagined rural spaces by situating discourses about white rural poor people in the context of geographically specific political economies of power and social relations in Kentucky, Florida, and Washington. These case studies, as well as the national discourse of redneck, represent rural poverty as a lifestyle choice and as an individualized cultural trait. Abstract rural spaces are construed as poor, underdeveloped, and wild; rural, white poor people are represented as lazy, dirty, obsolescent, conservative, or alternative. A focus upon the political economy of community resource relationships and the construction and reproduction of redneck discourses reveals how exploitative material processes are justified by naming others and blaming the persistence of rural poverty upon the poor themselves.
A longitudinal perspective of the relationship between perceived motivational climate, goal orientations, and strategy use.

Abstract Achievement goal theory suggests that goal orientations and the perceived motivational climate may influence one another and other motivational variables over time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was threefold: (a) to examine the relationship between perceived motivational climate and goal orientations over time (b) to investigate how goal orientations may fluctuate when the climate was in opposition to the initial goal orientation, (c) to determine how the climate may impact practice strategies. A set of inventories was administered to 162 college students at preselected times throughout several 16-week physical activity classes. Changes occurred in students' goal orientations, particularly when the perceived motivational climate was in opposition to their goal orientation. Aspects of the task-involving climate positively predicted practice strategies.
Patients with an ultrasonographic cervical length ≤15 mm have nearly a 50% risk of early spontaneous preterm delivery ☆

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the value in the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery of ultrasonographically measured cervical length measured between 14 and 24 weeks' gestation. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study examined cervical length by means of a two-stage procedure, transabdominal ultrasonography followed by transvaginal ultrasonography if cervical length was Results: A total of 6877 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean cervical length was 37.5 mm. Odds ratios for early preterm delivery (≤32 weeks' gestation) for patients with cervical lengths ≤10, ≤15, ≤20, ≤25, and ≤30 mm were, respectively, 29.3 (95% confidence interval, 11.3-75.8), 24.3 (95% confidence interval, 12.9-45.9), 18.3 (95% confidence interval, 10.8-31.0), 13.4 (95% confidence interval, 8.8-20.6), and 3.2 (95% confidence interval, 2.4-4.4). For early preterm delivery a cervical length of ≤15 mm had a positive predictive value of 47.6%, a negative predictive value of 96.7%, a sensitivity of 8.2%, and a specificity of 99.7%. Conclusions: A short cervix seen on a second-trimester sonogram was a powerful predictor of early spontaneous preterm delivery (≤32 weeks' gestation). Nearly 50% of patients with a cervical length ≤15 mm had an early spontaneous preterm delivery, which suggests that clinical trials of interventions (eg, cerclage) in this population are urgently needed. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1458-67.)
Measurement of Perceived Stress Among Pregnant Women: A Comparison of Two Different Instruments

Assess the amount of agreement between the classification of stress from the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Assessment of Stress portion of the Prenatal Psychosocial Profile (PPP) among pregnant women. A secondary data analysis on a cross-sectional study of 301 pregnant women from the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas who were exposed to Hurricane Katrina was conducted. Women with complete data (219) were analyzed. Women scoring in the third tertile of each instrument were compared. The kappa statistic was used to assess agreement between instruments. Additional comparisons were made with three instruments that measure other important psychosocial constructs that could be related to stress: the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) and the Assessments of Support (partner and other support) and Self-Esteem from the PPP. No significant difference was found between the two tests. The PSS and the PPP were both statistically significantly correlated to each other (ρ = 0.71, p < 0.01). Thirty-five women were classified discordantly resulting in a Kappa Coefficient of 0.61 (95% CI 0.50-0.72, p < 0.01). No significant differences were found between these two instruments in correlation with the EDS (PPP, r = 0.76; PSS, r = 0.72; p < 0.01 for each), partner support (PPP, r = -0.47; PSS r = -0.46; p < 0.01 for each), other support (PPP, r = -0.31; PSS r = -0.32; p < 0.01 for each) and self-esteem (PPP, r = -0.41; PSS, r = -0.52; p < 0.01 for each), respectively. Given the similarities between the PSS and PPP, researchers are encouraged to choose and administer one instrument to participants, or to use the instruments in combination as an external reliability check.
Optimization of the design of a multiple-photon excitation laser scanning fluorescence imaging system

Multi-photon (two or more photon) excitation imaging offers three significant advantages compared to laser-scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy for 3-D and 4-D fluorescence microscopy: considerable reduction in total sample excitation, increased depth penetration, and increased detection sensitivity. All-solid-state ultra-fast lasers offer tremendous potential for affordable, reliable, 'turn-key' multi-photon excitation sources. We have been developing a multi-photon system that utilizes an all-solid- state Nd:YLF excitation source. We have been evaluating the potential of this source for biological microscopy and have been optimizing system parameters for this application area. We have found that the 1047 nm radiation from these lasers can excite by two-photon fluorescence many commonly used fluorophores that are normally excited from blue to yellow light. In addition, we have found that this wavelength readily excites several normally UV excited fluorophores by the mechanism of three-photon excitation. The Nd:YLF laser has proven reliable in operation with nearly 6000 hours logged without significant loss of power. However, the original system produced rather long pulses for multi-photon excitation (300 fs) and a beam shape that was not ideal. We have recently commissioned the development of an improved pulse compressor from the manufacturers that gives narrower pulses (120 fs), improved beam shape, and a smaller insertion loss. This optimized excitation system has 6 times more potential two-photon excited fluorescence and 22 times more potential three-photon excited fluorescence than the prototype system. In addition, by optimizing coatings in the excitation and signal paths, we have improved the descanned detection sensitivity by 20% for two-photon excited fluorescence and 315% for three-photon excited fluorescence. The excitation optical transfer efficiency (1047 nm) of our imaging system is currently 60% to the back aperture of the objective. The emission optical transfer efficiency (670 nm) is currently 47% for descanned detection and 83% for non- descanned detection; both from the objective back aperture. Surprisingly, we find there is a signal-to-background increase of a factor of 17 between descanned and non- descanned modes of detection using a Nile Red solution sample.
Potential evaporation and soil moisture in general circulation models

Abstract The parameterization of continental evaporation in many atmospheric general circulation models (GCMS) used for simulation of climate is demonstrably inconsistent with the empirical work upon which the parameterization is based. In the turbulent transfer relation for potential evaporation, the climate models employ the modeled actual temperature to evaluate the saturated surface humidity, whereas the consistent temperature is the one reflecting cooling by the hypothetical potential evaporation. A simple theoretical analysis and some direct computations, all ignoring atmospheric feedbacks, indicate that whenever the soil moisture is limited, GCM-based climate models produce rates of potential evaporation that exceed, by a factor of two or more, the rates that would be yielded by use of the consistent temperature. Further approximate analyses and supporting numerical simulations indicate that the expected value of dry-season soil moisture has a short memory relative to the annual cycle and that dry-...
Amine-directed syntheses and crystal structures of phosphate-based zeolite analogs

Abstract A large number of zeolite analogs including two chabazite structures with a Co/Al ratio of 2 have been synthesized by the use of linear, branched and cyclic amines with different charges and geometries in the cobalt (or zinc or magnesium) aluminophosphate system. The incorporation of divalent metal atoms into the framework metal-atom sites is directly established through the occupancy refinement and the lengthening of metal–oxygen bond distances using single-crystal diffraction data. Host–guest charge density matching as an important synthesis parameter is demonstrated by the correlation between the Co/Al ratio and the charge/volume ratio of protonated amines. The successful synthesis of these new phases supports the concept that the multidimensionality of the channel system is closely associated with relatively highly charged framework structures. The ease with which chabazite analogs crystallize under a diversity of different conditions suggests that more chabazite analogs can be formed with other amines.
The Use of Self-Ratings and Peer Ratings to Evaluate Performances of Student Group Members

The use of self- and peer ratings to evaluate individual performances in group settings in university classrooms has become accepted practice in higher education. This research-based article examines the relationship between self- and peer evaluations and discusses the effective use of both types of ratings when student groups are used in the classroom. Gender differences in both self- and peer evaluations are also examined.
Diagnostic Potential of Polyclonal Antibodies Against Bacterially Expressed Recombinant Coat Protein of Alfalfa mosaic virus

Abstract Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), a pathogen of a wide range of plant species, including Glycine max (soybean), is poorly immunogenic. Polyclonal antibodies were generated against bacterially ex...
An information-theoretic approach to spectral variability, similarity, and discrimination for hyperspectral image analysis

A hyperspectral image can be considered as an image cube where the third dimension is the spectral domain represented by hundreds of spectral wavelengths. As a result, a hyperspectral image pixel is actually a column vector with dimension equal to the number of spectral bands and contains valuable spectral information that can be used to account for pixel variability, similarity and discrimination. We present a new hyperspectral measure, the spectral information measure (SIM), to describe spectral variability and two criteria, spectral information divergence and spectral discriminatory probability for spectral similarity and discrimination, respectively. The spectral information measure is an information-theoretic measure which treats each pixel as a random variable using its spectral signature histogram as the desired probability distribution. Spectral information divergence (SID) compares the similarity between two pixels by measuring the probabilistic discrepancy between two corresponding spectral signatures. The spectral discriminatory probability calculates spectral probabilities of a spectral database (library) relative to a pixel to be identified so as to achieve material identification. In order to compare the discriminatory power of one spectral measure relative to another, a criterion is also introduced for performance evaluation, which is based on the power of discriminating one pixel from another relative to a reference pixel. The experimental results demonstrate that the new hyperspectral measure can characterize spectral variability more effectively than the commonly used spectral angle mapper (SAM).
Military traumatic brain injury: A review

Abtsract Military mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) differs from civilian injury in important ways. Although mTBI sustained in both military and civilian settings are likely to be underreported, the combat theater presents additional obstacles to reporting and accessing care. The impact of blast forces on the nervous system may differ from nonblast mechanisms, mTBI although studies comparing the neurologic and cognitive sequelae in mTBI survivors have not provided such evidence. However, emotional distress appears to figure prominently in symptoms following military mTBI. This review evaluates the extant literature with an eye towards future research directions.
Effect of Cycle Annealing Parameters on Dislocation Density Reduction for HgCdTe on Si

In our previous study of ex situ thermal cycle annealing (TCA) of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE)-grown mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) on CdTe/Si(211) composite substrates we showed consistent dislocation density reduction to ~1 × 106 cm−2. In this work, we have extended our study to understand the effects of TCA at lower temperatures and fewer cycles than studied previously. By examining TCA performed at the lower end of the temperature spectrum (as low as 385°C), we are able to show an exponential correlation between etch pit density (EPD) and temperature. Varying the number of cycles also shows a similar exponential correlation with EPD. These results suggest that these are the two major factors driving dislocation annihilation and/or coalescence. In this paper, we discuss the theoretical mechanism behind dislocation reduction, both at the surface and throughout the bulk of the HgCdTe layer.
Electrophoretic migration due to postsynaptic potential gradients: theory and application to autonomic ganglion neurons and to dendritic spines.

Abstract A postsynaptic mechanism for transforming electrical activity at a synapse into structural modifications near the synapse is proposed. The firing of a synapse produces a postsynaptic potential which is attenuated as it spreads electrotonically into other parts of the neuron. The potential difference so generated gives rise to an intraneuronal electric field, and permits the electrophoretic migration of charged metabolites, both along the inner surface of the membrane and in the cytoplasm. Estimates of the sizes of these fields suggest that they can play a significant role in locally organizing the distribution of the charged species, thus allowing differential biochemical activity at different synaptic locations. The mechanism is applied first to the innervation pattern found in ciliary ganglion neurons by Purves and Hume [(1981) J. Neurosci. 1 , 441–452]. They showed that although ganglionic neurons are multiply innervated in early postnatal life, adult neurons are innervated such that the number of separate pre-ganglionic axons is approximately proportional to the number of major ganglionic dendrites. It is demonstrated how electrophoretic competition can result in individual dendrites establishing individual domains of innervation. The electrophoretic mechanism is next applied to dendritic spines. Theoretical calculations are presented which show that synaptic activity at a spine head can establish large electric fields along the spine, whereas synaptic activity at the base of the spine generates very small electric fields in the spine. The thinner the spine, the stronger the fields. If one assumes that these electric fields can lead to electrophoretic migration of charged metabolites necessary for either synaptic stabilization or enhancement, significant accumulation should occur within spines. Because the electric fields are small along the spine when electrical activity is generated elsewhere in the neuron, charged metabolites should not easily be drawn out of a spine. As a result, it is proposed that dendritic spines provide an anatomical means to reduce competition between neighboring afferent inputs. It is also shown how two other sets of experimental observations illustrate the electrophoretic effect. They are calcium action potentials in growth cone areas and membrane heterogeneity in myelinated axons.
Management strategies for persistent epithelial defects of the cornea

Management of patients with persistent epithelial defects of the cornea can be challenging to even the seasoned ophthalmologist. It is essential that one understands not only the pathophysiology of the failure of the epithelium to migrate and close a wound appropriately, but also the mechanism of action of the available treatment modalities at one’s disposal. This article serves as a review of current standard therapies, recently introduced alternative therapies gaining in popularity, and a look into the newest developments that may change the way we manage corneal surface disease.
Fundamental studies of biomolecule partitioning in aqueous two‐phase systems

Phase diagram data at 4 degrees C was determined for the aqueous two-phase systems composed of polyethylene glycol, dextran, and water. The Flory-Huggins theory of polymer thermodynamics was used to correlate partitioning of biomolecules in these aqueous two-phase systems resulting in a simple linear relationship between the natural logarithm of the partition coefficient and the concentration of polymers in the two phases. This relationship was verified by partitioning a series of dipeptides which differ from one another by the addition of a CH(2) group on the c-terminal amino acid residue and by utilizing a set of low-molecular-weight proteins. The slope of the line could be expressed in terms of the interactions of the biomolecule with the phase forming polymers and water. The main result for the dipeptides was that knowledge of the partition coefficient in any of the PEG/dextran/water systems, regardless of polymer molecular weight, enabled prediction of the coefficient in all of the systems. The dipeptides were also used for determination of the Gibbs free energy of transfer of a CH(2) group between the phases. This quantity was correlated with polymer concentration, thus establishing a hydrophobicity profile for the PEG/ dextran/water systems. The methodology for predicting dipeptide partition coefficients was extended to proteins, where it was found that low-molecular-weight proteins gave a linear relationship with the tie line compositions of a phase diagram.
A model of high-affinity antibody binding to type III group B Streptococcus capsular polysaccharide.

Abstract We recently reported that the single repeating-unit pentasaccharide of type III group B Streptococcus (GBS) capsular polysaccharide is only weakly reactive with type III GBS antiserum. To further elucidate the relationship between antigen-chain length and antigenicity, tritiated oligosaccharides derived from type III capsular polysaccharide were used to generate detailed saturation binding curves with a fixed concentration of rabbit antiserum in a radioactive antigen-binding assay. A graded increase in affinity of antigen-antibody binding was seen as oligosaccharide size increased from 2.6 repeating units to 92 repeating units. These differences in affinity of antibody binding to oligosaccharides of different molecular size were confirmed by immunoprecipitation and competitive ELISA, two independent assays of antigen-antibody binding. Analysis of the saturation binding experiment indicated a difference of 300-fold in antibody-binding affinity for the largest versus the smallest tested oligosaccharides. Unexpectedly, the saturation binding values approached by the individual curves were inversely related to oligosaccharide chain length on a molar basis but equivalent on a weight basis. This observation is compatible with a model in which binding of an immunoglobulin molecule to an antigenic site on the polysaccharide facilitates subsequent binding of antibody to that antigen.
Oriented structure of PP/LLDPE multilayer and blends films

Polypropylene/linear low-density polyethylene (PP/LLDPE) multilayer and blends blown films are investigated in terms of crystalline morphology and orientation. The crystalline structures were probed using microscopy, infrared trichroism and X-ray pole figures. Two different PPs were used, one was a homopolymer and the other was a copolymer. Similar orientation characteristics were observed for both PP components in the blends and multilayer films, the PE component, however, showed very different structure, especially for the crystalline a- and b-axes orientation. The row-nucleated structure, epitaxial crystallization and transcrystallization observed in the films are discussed.