cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved upper bounds for the reliability of d-dimensional consecutive-k-out-of-n : F systems

Consider a 2-dimensional consecutive-k-out-of-n : F system, as described by Salvia and Lasher [9], whose components have independent, perhaps identical, failure probabilities. In this paper, we use Janson's exponential inequalities [5]; to derive improved upper bounds on such a system's reliability, and compare our results numerically to previously determined upper bounds. In the case of equal component-failure probabilities, we determine analytically, given k and n, those component-failure probabilities for which our bound betters the upper bounds found by Fu and Koutras [4] and Koutras et al. [6]. A different kind of analytic comparison is made with the upper bound of Barbour et al. [3]. We further generalize our upper bound, given identical component-failure probabilities, to suit d-dimensional systems for d ≤ 3. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 45: 219–230, 1998
Infection and decontamination of citrus canker-inoculated leaf surfaces

Abstract Citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, Xcc) is now considered endemic in Florida and continues to spread. Various surfaces, including plant material, personnel and equipment can become contaminated. Decontamination is practiced in both disease-endemic and disease-free areas to reduce the risk of bacterial spread by man or machinery. We used grapefruit leaf surfaces to explore the efficacy of a commonly used personnel sprayer system applying a quaternary amine decontaminant. In three experiments, plants in flush (leaves ¾ expanded) were inoculated (∼105 CFU ml−1). Immediately after inoculation, plants were passed through the sprayers 0, 1, 2, 3, or 6 times. Leaves were sampled at 0.5, 10 and 20 min after decontamination and tested for viable Xcc by dilution plating. There was a large and rapid decline in the quantity of live bacteria with one pass through the decontamination sprayer (>80% decrease in CFU ml−1), and multiple sprays (2–6) resulted in up to 100% mortality of surface Xcc. Presumably more thorough coverage with multiple sprays killed remnant bacteria, although the first spray invariably caused the highest proportion of population mortality. The effect of the decontaminant spray was immediate (within 0.5 min only 3–11% of surface bacteria survived, and by 20 min
Effect of shear deformation on the dynamic plastic bending of metallic plates during normal penetration

Abstract The plastic bending of a circular plate due to the normal penetration of a projectile is analyzed, including the effect of shear deformation. Dynamic radii of plastic hinges are calculated using a Tresca yield criterion in the generalized stress space formed by the plate bending moments and shear force. The results are compared with experimentally obtained deflection shapes. The experiments were conducted using a gas gun with aluminum plates and steel projectiles.
Magic bullet for obesity

Who would not rejoice to find a magic bullet that we could fire into obese people to make them permanently slim and healthy? In the United States about a third of adults are obese—that is, have a body mass index (weight(kg)/height(m)2)) above 27.1 The diagnosis can be made with reasonable accuracy by anyone. Obese people appear “chunky” and usually have some abdominal protuberance with or without unsightly thighs. Tens of billions of dollars are spent on diets, pills, spas, or special foods and advice on behavioural change. Any scientific discovery that deals with food intake or obesity quickly becomes a “hot item” for the media. The best seller list usually contains a book giving recommendations for a new diet or mixture of diet and behaviour that assures successful weight control. Medical authorities, particularly public health officials, warn the public of the rising prevalence and hazards of obesity. A recent editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine documented the failures of current treatment and questioned the benefits of weight loss while reminding us of the strong correlation of obesity with disorders such as hypertension and diabetes.2 Since current treatment so often fails, only a magic bullet would allow us to perform an experiment to determine the full benefit of weight loss. Are we on the brink of finding a drug which will solve the problem? ### Summary points
4‐Chlorocrotonaldehyde as a unique chlorine‐containing compound from the reaction of atomic chlorine with 1,3‐butadiene in air at room temperature

Chlorine atoms may play an important role in the tropospheric chemistry of coastal areas and the Arctic at polar sunrise. However, the sources of chlorine are not well established and measuring its precursors in a specific manner is difficult. A potential approach to probe Cl production in the troposphere is to identify and measure chlorine-containing products unique to the reactions of Cl with organics in air, e.g. 1,3-butadiene, which is emitted from motor vehicles. We present here product studies of the reaction of Cl with 1,3-butadiene in the presence and absence of NO in 1 atm air at room temperature using FTIR, API-MS and GC-MS. 4-Chlorocrotonaldehyde (CCA) is identified as a unique chlorine-containing product from this reaction, with a yield of (28 ± 8)% (2σ) independent of the presence of NO. CCA may therefore be useful in field studies as a marker for Cl chemistry in urban coastal areas.
Laser Doppler Velocimeter Development

A new two-channel laser Doppler velocimeter developed for the Ames High Reynolds Channel No. II is described. Design features required for the satisfactory operation of the optical system in the channel environment are discussed. Fiber optics are used to transmit the megahertz Doppler signal to the photodetectors located outside the channel pressure vessel, and provision is made to isolate the optical system from pressure and thermal strain effects. Computer-controlled scanning mirrors are used to psoition the laser beams in the channel flow. Techniques used to seed the flow with 0.5-?-diam polystyrene spheres avoiding deposition on the test-section windows and porous boundary-layer removal panels are described. Preliminary results are presented with a discussion of several of the factors affecting accuracy.
Channels from genes: The oocyte as an expression system

The relative ease of handling DNA and RNA makes cloning of ion channels an attractive alternative to the direct manipulation of these integral membrane proteins. But any attempt to relate the structure and function of channels must ultimately deal with the channel protein. An efficient prepackaged biochemical reaction mixture is available for this purpose: the frog oocyte. Barnard and his colleagues 1,2 showed that Gurdon's technique 3 of injecting mRNA into the giant Xenopus oocyte can be used to produce functional ion channels. More recent studies using mRNA extracted from a variety of sources 4–12 , including human brain 10,11 , show that the method is applicable to many different channels and their associated neurotransmitter receptors. The studies also demonstrate the usefulness of the method as a tool in identifying the mRNA molecules for particular channels and studying them.
Life cycle water use of low-carbon transport fuels

Abstract In society’s quest to mitigate climate change it is important to consider potential trade-offs in climate solutions impacting other environmental issues. This analysis explores the life cycle water consumption of alternative low-carbon energy sources for transportation. Energy sources analyzed include both biofuels used in internal combustion engines and low-carbon electricity generation methods used in conjunction with electric vehicles. Biofuels considered are corn-based ethanol, soybean biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol from switchgrass, and microbial biodiesel. Electricity sources analyzed are coal with carbon sequestration, photovoltaic cells, and solar concentrators. The assessment method used is hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA), which combines materials-based process method and the economic input–output (EIO) method. To compare these technologies on an even footing the life cycle water use to propel a passenger vehicle one mile is estimated. All technologies evaluated showed an increase in water consumption compared to unleaded gasoline when water use from vehicle manufacturing was included. Scale-up calculations showed that mass adoption of electric vehicles and some configurations of algae and switchgrass systems could potentially contribute to the decarbonization of transportation with tolerable increases in overall water consumption. Irrigated crop based biofuels however were found to have significant potential impact on water resources when scaled up to macroscopic production levels.
GESTATIONAL AGE AT DISCHARGE FOR VERY LOW BIRTH WIEGHT INFANTS (VLBW): MATURATIONAL NORMS, MEDICAL RISKS, INTER-NICU VARIATION. • 1171

GESTATIONAL AGE AT DISCHARGE FOR VERY LOW BIRTH WIEGHT INFANTS (VLBW): MATURATIONAL NORMS, MEDICAL RISKS, INTER-NICU VARIATION. • 1171
Amelogenins: assembly, processing and control of crystal morphology

Abstract The remarkable properties of enamel crystals and their arrangements in an extraordinary micro-architecture are clear indications that the processes of crystal nucleation and growth in the extracellular matrix are highly controlled. The major extracellular events involved in enamel formation are: (a) delineation of space by the secretory ameloblasts and the dentino-enamel junction; (b) self-assembly of amelogenin proteins to form the supramolecular structural framework; (c) transportation of calcium and phosphate ions by the ameloblasts resulting in a supersaturated solution; (d) nucleation of apatite crystallites; and (e) elongated growth of the crystallites. Finally, during the ‘maturation’ step, rapid growth and thickening of the crystallites take place, which is concomitant with progressive degradation and eventual removal of the enamel extracellular matrix components (mainly amelogenins). This latter stage during which physical hardening of enamel occurs is perhaps unique to dental enamel. We have focused our in vitro studies on three major extracellular events: matrix assembly, matrix processing and control of crystal growth. This paper summarizes current knowledge on the assembly, processing and effect on crystal morphology by amelogenin proteins. The correlation between these three events and putative functional roles for amelogenin protein are discussed.
Mutational analysis of the arginine repressor of Escherichia coli.

Summary Arginine biosynthesis in Escherichia coli is negatively regulated by a hexameric repressor protein, encoded by the gene argR and the corepressor arginine. By hydroxylamine mutagenesis two types of argR mutants were isolated and mapped. The first type is transdominant. In heterodiploids, these mutant polypeptides reduce the activity of the wild-type repressor, presumably by forming heteropolymers. Four mutant repressor proteins were purified. Two of these map in the N-terminal half of the protein. Gel retardation experiments showed that they bind poorly to DNA, but they could be precipitated by l-arginine at the same concentration as the wild-type repressor. The other two mutant repressors map in the C-terminal half of the protein. They are poorly precipitated by L-arginine and they bind poorly to DNA. In addition, one of these mutants appears to exist as a dimer. The second type of argR mutant repressor consists of super-repressors. Such mutants behave as arginine auxotrophs as a result of hyper-repression of arginine biosynthetic enzymes. They map at many locations throughout the argR gene. Three arginine super-repressor proteins were purified, in comparison with the wild-type repressor, two of them were shown to have a higher DNA-binding affinity in the absence of bound arginine, while the third was shown to have a higher DNA-binding affinity when bound to arginine.
The Relative Contract Position of School Teachers: An Analysis of Public Union vs. Non-Union Schools

The Relative Contract Position of School Teachers: An Analysis of Public Union vs. Non-Union Schools
Effectiveness factor for surface diffusion and reaction on catalyst surface

Abstract A mathematical model to calculate the effectiveness factor for surface reactions coupled with surface diffusion on a solid-catalyst surface with discrete adsorption centers and the solutions for integral-order reactions are presented. The combined effect of intrinsic reaction and surface diffusion results in apparent orders of ( n + 1)/2 and apparent activation energies which are the arithmetic average of those for surface diffusion and chemical reaction. A useful approximate solution has been obtained to give a closed-form solution to the second-order reaction case for the proposed model. Order-of-magnitude calculations indicate that surface diffusion may affect the behavior of useful polyfunctional catalysts.
Vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation of SH radical at 121.6 nm

Abstract Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photodissociation of jet-cooled SH radical is studied at the photolysis wavelength of 121.6 nm using high- n Rydberg atom time-of-flight (HRTOF) technique. Both the ground-state S( 3 P J ) and the excited-state S( 1 D 2 ) and S( 1 S 0 ) products are observed, with a branching fraction of S( 3 P J ):S( 1 D 2 ):S( 1 S 0 ) = 0.07 ± 0.01:0.82 ± 0.01:0.11 ± 0.01. The spin–orbit branching fraction of the minor S( 3 P J ) product is S( 3 P 2 ):S( 3 P 1 ):S( 3 P 0 ) = 0.28 ± 0.12:0.54 ± 0.16:0.18 ± 0.09. The predominant production of S( 1 D 2 ) is consistent with a direct dissociation from the repulsive 2 2 Π state. The S( 3 P J ) product fine-structure state distribution from SH photodissociation at 121.6 nm is significantly different from that in the UV region.
MSiReader: An Open-Source Interface to View and Analyze High Resolving Power MS Imaging Files on Matlab Platform

During the past decade, the field of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has greatly evolved, to a point where it has now been fully integrated by most vendors as an optional or dedicated platform that can be purchased with their instruments. However, the technology is not mature and multiple research groups in both academia and industry are still very actively studying the fundamentals of imaging techniques, adapting the technology to new ionization sources, and developing new applications. As a result, there important varieties of data file formats used to store mass spectrometry imaging data and, concurrent to the development of MSi, collaborative efforts have been undertaken to introduce common imaging data file formats. However, few free software packages to read and analyze files of these different formats are readily available. We introduce here MSiReader, a free open source application to read and analyze high resolution MSI data from the most common MSi data formats. The application is built on the Matlab platform (Mathworks, Natick, MA, USA) and includes a large selection of data analysis tools and features. People who are unfamiliar with the Matlab language will have little difficult navigating the user-friendly interface, and users with Matlab programming experience can adapt and customize MSiReader for their own needs.
The “mechanical bull” thumb

Two patients suffered intra-articular fractures of the thumb while attempting to ride a mechanical bull. The mechanism of injury in these patients and the riding technique which leads to fracture are discussed.
Embolic complication of Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy.

Sir, We present a case of an 81-year-old female presenting with one week worsening dyspnea on exertion and a cold, discolored, numb foot for 2 days. The patient denied chest pain but reported a history consistent with melanotic stools. Her hemoglobin was found to be 3.5 in the emergency department. Electrocardiogram showed 0.5–1.0 mm ST depression in leads II, III, aVF, V4-6 and …
Pelvic varices as a cause for pelvic pain : MRI appearance

Pelvic venous congestion, as a cause of pelvic pain, is often overlooked. MR offers a noninvasive means of diagnosing this entity. Its appearance, as discussed, is important to recognize in patients who are referred for MR evaluation.
Transparent Multi-Suction Electrode Arrays for in vitro Neural Network Investigations

Large-scale multisite electrophysiology recordings with high temporal resolution are essential to discover neural circuitry and elucidate their structurefunction relationship. We contribute to this effort by combining multielectrode arrays (MEAs) with through pore arrays in quartz substrates to create multisuction electrode arrays. The MEA allows for multisite extracellular recordings from neural tissue while the through pore array permits suction to be applied to the tissue to form more intimate contact with the electrodes. We successfully recorded from mouse hippocampi, mouse retina, and leech segmental ganglia. Hippocampus and retina tissue show at least a 50% increase in S/N and twofold increase in detectable spikes following suction. (Interestingly, spiking activity and S/N of spikes in leech ganglia mostly do not increase after applied suction, suggesting sources deeper in the tissue.) Finally, we demonstrate optical imaging through the transparent substrate to visualize the neurons at the electrode interface simultaneously with electrophysiology recordings. This technology will facilitate the combination of optical-based measurements such as voltage-sensitive dye imaging with multisite electrophysiological recordings with high temporal resolution of neuronal networks in a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate preparations, at the single spike level.
Compensating balance, rationality, and optimality

The rationality of requiring compensating balances in commercial lending is a long-standing controversy. This paper demonstrates that compensating balance requirements can be either rational or irrational and derives the conditions under which each may occur. The model presented is capable of explaining, illustrating, and resolving (analytically and graphically) the apparent inconsistency among conclusions of previous studies. In addition, the model entertains questions of optimality in borrowing arrangements.
Optimal Identification of Biochemical Reaction Networks

Advances in biotechnology and computer science are providing the possibility to construct mathematical models for complex biological networks and systematically understand their properties. Traditional network identification approaches, however, cannot accurately recover the model parameters from the noisy laboratory measurements. This article introduces the concept of optimal identification (OI), which utilizes a global inversion algorithm to extract the full distribution of parameters consistent with the laboratory data. In addition, OI integrates suitable computational algorithms with experimental capabilities in a closed loop fashion to maximally reduce the breadth of the extracted parameter distribution. The closed loop OI procedure seeks out the optimal set of control chemical fluxes and data observations that actively filter out experimental noise and enhance the sensitivity to the desired parameters. In this fashion, the highest quality network parameters can be attained from inverting the tailored laboratory data. The operation of OI is illustrated by identifying a simulated tRNA proofreading mechanism, in which OI provides superior solutions for all the rate constants compared with suboptimal and nonoptimal methods.
Characterization of turbulence scales in the atmospheric surface layer with the continuous wavelet transform

Abstract Turbulence scales of the velocity components of wind in the atmospheric surface layer are characterized by using the continuous wavelet transform. The Morlet wavelet is used to study time variations of the energy of the different scales. By applying wavelet analysis, many of the shortcomings of Fourier analysis are overcome. The wavelet energy density is used to measure the intermittency levels and associated energy content. An intermittency factor is defined and used to quantify the intermittent character of turbulence scales. The percentage of energy in these events is also quantified. These parameters are important for wind tunnel simulation of the atmospheric surface layer conducted for the purpose of prediction of pressure peaks on low-rise structures.
Charismatic leadership and follower effects

On the basis of the current theories of charismatic leadership, several possible follower effects were identified. It is hypothesized that followers of charismatic leaders could be distinguished by their greater reverence, trust, and satisfaction with their leader and by a heightened sense of collective identity, perceived group task performance, and feelings of empowerment. Using the Conger–Kanungo charismatic leadership scale and measures of the hypothesized follower effects, an empirical study was conducted on a sample of 252 managers using structural equation modelling. The results show a strong relationship between follower reverence and charismatic leadership. Follower trust and satisfaction, however, are mediated through leader reverence. Followers' sense of collective identity and perceived group task performance are affected by charismatic leadership. Feelings of empowerment are mediated through the followers' sense of collective identity and perceived group task performance. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
POST-PLEISTOCENE DIATOM SUCCESSION IN DOUGLAS LAKE, MICHIGAN1,2

Analysis of fossil diatom assemblages recovered from a 12.2 m core reveals a series of distinct floristic associations. The associations present are correlated with sediment type and reflect successive stages in the development of the lake. A basal red clay sediment contains a planktonic association characteristic of large, proglacial lakes. At 10.0 m core depth, sediment type changes to fine sand containing a higher abundance of benthic species indicating reduction of water depth at the deposition site. Marl sediments begin at 9.7 m and contain an association characteristic of a small, shallow, oligotrophic lake. At 8.8 m the marl sequence is interrupted by highly organic sediment containing a eutrophic plankton association. From 8.5 to 7.6 m the sediment type grades from marl to organic, apparently reduced sediments and diatom associations present contain successively higher percentages of planktonic species associated with eutrophic habitats. By the 7.6 m level a eutrophic plankton association, similar to the modern flora, is established and remains remarkably constant to the surface of the section.
Within-Plant and Temporal Distribution of Nymphal and Adult Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on Flowers and Foliage of Greenhouse Impatiens, Impatiens wallerana, and Implications for Pest Population Sampling

The development of cost-effective management and sampling techniques for western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), on garden impatiens, Impatiens wallerana (Hook. f.), requires that information about the within-plant distribution and diurnal patterns of thrips abundance be known. Impatiens flower bud development was divided into five arbitrary stages, representing tightly closed buds through fully opened flowers. Numbers of immature and adult thrips associated with these flower stages were determined at six times daily (0000, 0200, 0600, 0800, 1400, and 2000 hours). In addition, thrips distribution was determined among flowers with and without pollen, and on budless foliage, at two times daily (0800 and 0000 hours). Each successive stage of flower bud development contained significantly more adult female and immature thrips than the previous stage. The oldest flowers contained significantly fewer immature thrips than penultimate stage buds. There was no effect of sampling time on thrips density across flower bud stages. Flowers with pollen had significantly more adult female thrips compared with flowers without pollen, but numbers of adult male and immature thrips were not affected by presence of pollen. Foliage consistently contained the fewest of all life stages of thrips. There was a significant effect of time on female thrips abundance within the fully opened flower with pollen category and no effect of time on immature thrips abundance.
Human immunodeficiency virus- 1 reverse transcriptase heterodimer stability*

Structural and biochemical evidence strongly supports a heterodimeric (p66p51) active form for human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). Heterodimer stability was examined by sedimentation analysis as a function of temperature and ionic strength. Using NONLIN regression software, monomer-dimer-trimer and monomer-dimer-tetramer association models gave the best fit to the analytical ultracentrifuge sedimentation equilibrium data. The heterodimer is the predominant form of RT at 5 degrees C, with a dimerization Ka value of 5.2 x 10(5) M-1 for both models. Ka values of 2.1 x 10(5) and 3.8 x 10(5) M-1 were obtained for the respective association models at 20 degrees C. RT in 50 and 100 mM Tris, pH 7.0, completely dissociates at 37 degrees C and behaves as an ideal monomeric species. The dissociation of RT as a function of increasing temperature was also observed by measuring the decrease in sedimentation velocity (sw,20). If the stabilization of the heterodimer was due primarily to hydrophobic interactions we would anticipate an increase in the association from 21 degrees C to 37 degrees C. The opposite temperature dependence for the association of RT suggests that electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions play an important role in stabilizing heterodimers. To examine the effect of ionic strength on p66p51 association we determined the changes in sw,20 as a function of NaCl concentration. There is a sharp decrease in sw,20 between 0.10 and 0.5 M NaCl, leading to apparent complete dissociation. The above results support a major role for electrostatic interactions in the stabilization of the RT heterodimer.
The status of transportation

Transportation-related activities represent approximately 20 percent of the gross national product of the United States. The urban sprawl characterizing the recent development of our cities has resulted largely from the development of a highly efficient highway transportation system. Rail systems have been developed to a high degree and, recently, new attention has been directed to this mode. Air transport has evolved from a struggling fledgling to a major industry. Nonetheless, highway, rail, and air transportation are all facing difficult problems. Some of the major areas of activity relating to each of these modes are reviewed in this paper.
Floorplan Design for Multimillion Gate FPGAs

Modern field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have multimillions of gates and future generations of FPGAs will be even more complex. This means that floorplanning tools will soon be extremely important for the physical design of FPGAs. Due to the heterogeneous logic and routing resources of an FPGA, FPGA floorplanning is very different from the traditional floorplanning for application-specific integrated circuits. This paper presents the first FPGA-floorplanning algorithm targeted for FPGAs with heterogeneous resources (e.g., Xilinx's Spartan3 chips consisting of columns of configurable logic blocks, RAM blocks, and multiplier blocks). This algorithm can generate floorplans for Xilinx's XC3S5000 architecture (largest of the Spartan3 family) in a few minutes
Characterization of a model of lethal dengue virus 2 infection in C57BL/6 mice deficient in the alpha/beta interferon receptor

Dengue virus (DENV) causes dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome, both considered major public-health problems worldwide. We generated a lethal DENV-2 strain (D220) by 10 additional cycles of subcutaneous inoculation of mice with supernatant from mosquito cells infected with the previously characterized strain D2S10, followed by harvesting of serum. D220 induces mortality at ten-fold lower doses than D2S10 in mice lacking only the alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) receptor in C57BL/6 or 129 backgrounds under both non-enhanced and antibody-enhanced conditions. Sequence analysis of the complete viral genome revealed five amino acid changes between D220 and D2S10, of which two (K122I in envelope and V115A in NS4B) appear to account for the observed phenotypic differences between the viruses. By causing mortality at lower doses in C57BL/6 mice lacking only the IFN-α/β receptor, D220 constitutes an improved tool for study of DENV-induced pathogenesis, as well as for testing potential vaccines and antiviral drugs against DENV.
Radial transport in the central cell of the tandem mirror experiment

An experimental study of radial transport in the Tandem Mirror Experiment is reported here. Plasma parameters were measured in a series of well‐diagnosed plasma discharges. A negative electric current (80±40 A within a 30‐cm radius) flowed to the end wall, implying an equal radial loss of plasma ions. The axial losses of plasma ions were 100 A from the same volume. The nonambipolar radial ion flux was of the same order as the flux resulting from resonant‐neoclassical and ion‐neutral transport, but the uncertainties are large. The ambipolar radial transport (of both ions and electrons) was investigated by comparing the observed end losses with calculations of the plasma fueling by gas penetration and neutral beams. The ambipolar radial losses are probably smaller than the loses through other processes and may be as small as the classical losses resulting from Coulomb collisions.
Rescuers and the Rescued

: There is a fairly widespread but unverified belief that persons working on certain taboo areas may be similar to the population they serve and drawn to such work by their own personal problems in these areas. Two groups, 51 suicide prevention volunteers and 31 suicide attempters, were compared with respect to demographic characteristics and for psychological attitudes and experiences pertaining to suicide, death, and mental status by means of a death questionnaire developed by Shneidman. Comparative analysis revealed substantial differences between volunteers and clients. Demographically, the volunteers were older, better educated, more affluent, and contained a greater proportion of Protestants. Psychologically, the volunteers were distinctly different in regard to suicide. In contrast to their clients, the volunteers reported greater emotional stability, much less fantasy about suicide, almost no actual suicide attempts, and a disinclination to consider suicide as a justifiable problem-solving option.
Targeting alpha-7 nicotinic neurotransmission in schizophrenia: A novel agonist strategy

Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) agonists may be valuable treatments for negative symptoms and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Unfortunately, chronic exposure to an agonist may reduce the receptor's sensitivity. Therefore, we combined CDP-choline, a dietary source of the direct agonist choline, with galantamine, a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, to improve the efficiency of transducing the choline signal and, possibly, preserve the receptor in a sensitive state. We conducted a single-site, double-blind randomized clinical trial comparing galantamine/CDP-choline to placebos in schizophrenia patients with negative symptoms who were receiving second generation antipsychotics. Forty-three subjects received galantamine and CDP-choline or matching placebos for 16weeks. The primary outcome measure was the 5-item Marder negative-symptoms factor of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Cognition and functioning were also assessed. Trial completion was high; 79%. There was no significant treatment effect on negative symptoms, other PANSS symptom factors, or the MATRICS Cognitive Consensus Battery. There were significant treatment effects in overall functioning and a test of free verbal recall. Three subjects discontinued treatment in the active treatment group for gastro-intestinal adverse events (AE). The most common AE for galantamine/CDP-choline was abdominal pain; for placebo it was headache and sweating. Although there was no significant treatment effect on negative symptoms, the direction of effect mirrored the effects on a cognitive measure and overall functioning. Further study of α7 nAChR agonist/PAMs is warranted in larger studies that will have greater power.
Contingent Match Incentives Increase Donations

The authors propose a new means by which nonprofits can induce donors to give today and commit to giving in the future: contingent match incentives, in which matching is made contingent on the percentage of others who give (e.g., “if X% of others give, we will match all donations”). A field experiment shows that a 75% contingent match (such that matches “kick in” only if 75% of others donate) is most effective in increasing commitment to recurring donations. An online experiment reveals that the 75% contingent match drives commitment to recurring donations because it simultaneously provides social proof while offering a low enough target to remain plausible that the match will occur. A final online experiment demonstrates that the effectiveness of the 75% contingent match extends to one-time donations. The authors discuss the practical and theoretical implications of contingent matches for managers and academics.
Uniform approximation of periodically-varying systems

It is shown that the elements of a large class of periodically varying nonlinear input-output maps can be uniformly approximated arbitrarily well, over infinite time intervals, using a certain structure that can be implemented in many ways using, for example, radial basis functions, polynomial functions, piecewise linear functions, sigmoids, or combinations of these functions. For the special case in which these functions are taken to be certain polynomial functions, the input-output map of our structure is a generalized finite Volterra series. Results are given for the case in which inputs and outputs are defined on IR. The case in which inputs and outputs are defined on the half-line IR/sub +/ is also addressed. In both cases inputs need not be functions that are continuous.
Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure "Oxygen Wastage" Revisited

There is growing evidence that oxidative stress is increased in myocardial failure and may contribute to the structural and functional changes that lead to disease progression. The report by Ide et al,1 in this issue of Circulation Research , provides the first direct measurement of increased oxidative stress in the myocardium of an animal model of heart failure. In this same model, the authors previously used electroparamagnetic resonance (EPR) with the O2− spin trap 5,5′-dimethyl-1-pyrroline- N -oxide (DMPO) to show that formation of superoxide anion was increased 2.8-fold in submitochondrial particles from failing (vs nonfailing) myocardium.2 The increase in DMPO spin signal was seen with NADH, but not succinate, as a substrate, suggesting that O2− was being formed by electron leakage at the level of the NADH-ubiquinone-reductase complex, or complex I. This view was supported by the finding that complex I activity was ≈50% lower in the failing myocardium, suggesting a functional blockade of the electron transport system. Because the isolation of submitochondrial particles removes competing antioxidant enzymes, the observed increase in DMPO spin signal was indicative of an increase in gross (but not net) O2− production and therefore was not necessarily indicative of oxidative stress per se. Oxidative stress was suggested, however, by the finding of increased lipid peroxidation products in the myocardium of the animals with heart failure. In the present study, Ide et al1 extend their earlier observations by showing that the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is increased in the failing myocardium.2 By measuring the production of OH•, a byproduct of …
Behavioral Consequences of Drinking: An Investigation of Factorial Invariance across Gender.

The purpose of the current study was to assess the gender invariance of an a priori four-factor solution of behavioral consequences of drinking. Results evidenced strong partial measurement invariance, with marginal structural invariance, which signals that the underlying constructs possessed the same theoretical structure for both men and women.
Post-traumatic Lumbar Hernia Repaired with PHS (Prolene Hernia System)

Lumbar hernia is a rare disease. Only five papers on lumbar hernia are found in the Journal of the Korean Surgical Society. Lumbar hernia is an extrusion of intraperitoneal or extraperitoneal organs of the abdomen through a defect of the transversalis fascia or the transversus abdominis muscle aponeurosis in the posterolateral abdominal wall. The most frequent symptom of this hernia is a protruding mass at the lateral abdominal wall with increased abdominal pressure. I encountered a case of lumbar hernia. The subject fell off of a subway platform. The cervical spine was injured and he suffered from quadriplegia. After several operations, he recovered from the quadriplegia. Following that, he discovered a left lumbar mass, incidentally. CT and MRI revealed this mass to be a Grynfeltt’s hernia. This hernia was corrected by open method with PHS. There were no complications or discomfort after the operation. I report this case with a review of the literature.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS

Language, Culture, and Society: Studies in the Social and Cultural Foundations of Language 23.. Christine Jourdan and Kevin Tuite, eds. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006. 310 pp.
Bistability in Spinal Motoneurons In Vivo: Systematic Variations in Persistent Inward Currents

Lee, R. H. and C. J. Heckman. Bistability in spinal motoneurons in vivo: systematic variations in persistent inward currents. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 583–593, 1998. Bistable behavior in spinal motoneu...
Transfer to Derived Sample-comparison Relations by Pigeons Following Many-to-one versus One-to-many Matching with Identical Training Relations

Separate groups of pigeons learned the same three sets of sample-comparison relations across two phases of conditional discrimination training. For one group, that training consisted of multiple-sa...
Innovative nursing care models and culture of health: Early evidence

Abstract Background The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is committed to advancing a national movement to create a “culture of health.” Nurses are especially well positioned to contribute to the culture of health in their communities. Purpose The purpose was to examine the extent to which nurse-designed care models focus on the culture of health to better understand how nurses may function as exemplars for other providers. Methods Qualitative content review of documents describing nurse-designed care models that are designated by the American Academy of Nursing as “Edge Runners.” Discussion Nurse-designed models focus extensively on issues related to a culture of health, making them a potentially useful context for examining how other providers might contribute to a culture of health. Conclusion Future work should focus on gathering more detailed information about nurses' culture of health efforts. Such information can inform recommendations for health care providers as they contribute to culture of health efforts.
Use of Prevention and Prevention Plus Weight Management Guidelines for Youth With Developmental Disabilities Living in Group Homes

Introduction: Prevention and Prevention Plus strategies for weight management were implemented for youth with developmental disabilities living in community group homes at a Midwestern educational/residential center. Methods: Caregiver staff were provided with weight management education, a communication tool for youth weight indices, weight and physical activity goals, dietary orders, and monthly follow-up communication. This 4-month study examined changes in weight indices, nutrition, physical activity, and staff perceptions of youth status using t tests, v tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Elizabeth F. Gephart, DNP Graduate, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis,MO, andAssistant Professor,MillikinUniversity, Decatur, IL. Deborah G. Loman, Assistant Professor, Saint Louis University,
Effect of salicylate on plasma fibrinogen and sedimentation rate in rheumatic and non-rheumatic patients.

SummaryIn 10 of 15 patients with elevated sedimentation rates, suffering from nonrheumatic and rheumatic disorders, the sedimentation rate and concentration of fibrinogen decreased following salicylate therapy. It is suggested that the change in the fibrinogen may represent an effect of salicylate on the liver.
Collapse of the Quantum Wave Function

The following introduction offers a broad survey of the history of quantum physics. It then outlines the position of each contributor in this Special Focus Section concerning the collapse of the quantum wave function and defines three important terms (Hilbert space, Schrodinger's cat, and decoherence) used in discussing this topic.
Exploring the Psychological, Familial, Academic, and Environmental Factors that Predict the College Choices of Students with Disabilities

Over the past 40 years, federal legislation as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 and the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act has altered the demographics of the college-going population to include an increasing proportion of students with disabilities. Using the National Longitudinal Transition Survey (NLTS-2), this study investigated extent to which personal characteristics, parental education, psychological variables, and high school characteristics could predict college choice of students with disabilities. Results of the discriminant analysis generated an overall significant Wilks’s lambda: Λ= 0.679, χ2 (42, N = 295,407) = 114,554.60, p
Newest developments on therapeutic principles against HIV-1 infections

It is necessary to start therapy before CD4~+ cell count drops below 500·μL~(-1).In patients with more than 500 CD4~+ cells·μL~(-1),the initiating therapy should be individualized based on the presence of co morbidities,including a high plasma virus load(eg,100 000 copies·mL~(-1)),a rapidly declining CD4~+ cell count(100·μL~(-1) per year),active hepatitis B or C co-infection,cardiovascular disease risk and HIV-1 associate nephropathy.The initiating regimen should be personalized,but the regimen usually includes EFV or a RTV-boosted protease inhibitor plus 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors(TDF/FTC or ABC/3TC). Treatment failure should be identified and managed promptly,and the replacing regimen should include at least 2-3 fully active drugs plus a drug from a new class,such as RAL,MVC or TMC-125.With advances in antiretroviral therapy,acute opportunistic infections(OIs) have fallen dramatically,but chronic OIs such as tuberculosis,hepatitis B or C and non-AIDS-related events such as cardiovascular disease,renal disease, bone disease and lip dystrophy increase markedly.Managing and preventing these diseases are very important to the progress of HIV-1 infections.It is reported that the incidence of HIV infection in infants is decreased to less than 1%when HIV-1-infected women received antiretroviral therapy(AZT + 3TC + LPV/r,AZT/3TC/ABC). HIV-1-infected children and pregnant women should start antiretroviral therapy despite their CD4~+ cell number is high and viral load is low.The individuals who have the risk of occupational and non-occupational exposure to HIV-1 should use anti-HIV drugs(EFV/(3TC or FTC)/(AZT or TDF);or LPV/r +(3TC or FTC) + AZT within 72 hours after the exposure.
Perspective-Dependent Harm

Feinberg defines harm as a setback to interests. The standard account of harm has been understood as a counterfactual comparative: a harmful event makes things go worse for the subject than things would have gone otherwise. This essay concerns a different kind of harm: perspective-dependent harm. While this class of harms differs from the standard harms that are commonly explored in value theory in that they depend on how the harmed agent sees the world, they still fall under the standard definition of harm. However, they expand the set of what counts as a harm, and introduce unique challenges for redress. A consequence of perspective-dependence in harm claims is that we may wish to socially recognize a group of harms that we may individually take ourselves to be immune to. In sufficiently diverse societies, there will be a variety of harms that may only be experienced by subsets of the population. One response is to reject their social legitimacy as grounding reasons for redress. I argue that this would risk stripping our public sphere of real sources of harm that require social legitimation and redress. Our diversity of perspectives has as a consequence a diversity of harm claims. If we wish our set of social rules to offer equal treatment and protection, it must be responsive to a variety of sources of harms. In particular, it creates new challenges relating to how we balance the burdens of harm and redress across affected parties in such a way that respects everyone’s beliefs and autonomy.
Comparative studies on different methods for laboratory diagnosis of pertussis

Objective To confirm the clinically suspected pertussis cases (＜ 1 years old) through laboratory methods.Methods From December,2011 to December,2012,patients with clinically suspected pertussis from Xi'an Children's Hospital were sampled,with their nasopharyngeal swabs collected,blood samples cultured and pertussis toxin IgG detected by PCR.Results were analyzed,using SPSS 16.0 software.Results 100 out of the 148 cases were laboratorially confirmed.3,88 and 34 cases were positive,through culture,PCR or pertussis toxin IgG respectively.22 cases were both PCR and pertussis toxin IgG positive.There were significant differences between the results of IS481 PCR,days from the onset of symptoms (P＜0.01) and results of PT-IgG with the days from onset of symptoms (P＜0.01).Conclusion Since the sensitivity of culture on pertussis was low,diagnosis on the disease should be linked to the results from PCR,PT-IgG and the days from onset of symptoms. Key words: Pertussis; Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; Polymerase chain reaction
TH-CD-BRA-01: BEST IN PHYSICS (THERAPY): -Field-Induced Dose Effects in a Mouse Lung Phantom: Monte Carlo and Experimental Assessments

Purpose: To simulate and measure magnetic-field-induced radiation dose effects in a mouse lung phantom. This data will be used to support pre-clinical experiments related to MRI-guided radiation therapy systems. Methods: A mouse lung phantom was constructed out of 1.5×1.5×2.0-cm3 lung-equivalent material (0.3 g/cm3) surrounded by a 0.6-cm solid water shell. EBT3 film was inserted into the phantom and the phantom was placed between the poles of an H-frame electromagnet. The phantom was irradiated with a cobalt-60 beam (1.25 MeV) with the electromagnet set to various magnetic field strengths (0T, 0.35T, 0.9T, and 1.5T). These magnetic field strengths correspond to the range of field strengths seen in MRI-guided radiation therapy systems. Dose increases at the solid-water-to-lung-interface and dose decreases at the lung-to-solid-water interface were compared with results of Monte Carlo simulations performed with MCNP6. Results: The measured dose to lung at the solid-water-to-lung interface increased by 0%, 16%, and 29% with application of the 0.35T, 0.9T, and 1.5T magnetic fields, respectively. The dose to lung at the lung-to-solid-water interface decreased by 4%, 18%, and 24% with application of the 0.35T, 0.9T, and 1.5T magnetic fields, respectively. Monte Carlo simulations showed dose increases of 0%, 16%, and 31% and dose decreases of 4%, 16%, and 25%. Conclusion: Only small dose perturbations were observed at the lung-solid-water interfaces for the 0.35T case, while more substantial dose perturbations were observed for the 0.9T and 1.5T cases. There is good agreement between the Monte Carlo calculations and the experimental measurements (within 2%). These measurements will aid in designing pre-clinical studies which investigate the potential biological effects of radiation therapy in the presence of a strong magnetic field. This work was partially funded by Elekta.