cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intracoronary versus intravenous nitroglycerin on the transmural distribution of coronary blood flow

The effect of intracoronary versus intravenous administration of nitroglycerin (GTN) on the transmural distribution of coronary blood flow (epi/endo) was studied in an isolated canine heart preparation and intact dogs. The distribution of blood flow between epicardium and endocardium of the left ventricle was determined by use of radioactive microspheres (15 (μm diameter). Intracoronary infusion of GTN in the isolated heart significantly increased epi/endo during a constant coronary blood flow, whereas no change in epi/endo was observed during a constant coronary perfusion pressure. When maximal coronary vasodilatation was produced by chromonar, the epi/endo increased significantly, however intracoronary GTN produced no further vasodilatation and did not improve epi/endo. In contrast, intravenous infusion of GTN in intact hearts significantly decreased epi/endo. These results suggest that intracoronary GTN does not enhance endocardial perfusion and may even produce a coronary steal, whereas intravenous GTN may improve endocardial perfusion via indirect haemodynamic actions.
Ambient temperature modulation of fenfluramine-induced thermogenesis in the rat.

Abstract The anti-obesity drug fenfluramine, promotes loss of weight by reducing food intake; however, there is controversy as to whether the drug can also elevate expenditure of energy. Resting consumption of oxygen (VO2) was measured in conscious rats to determine whether the injection of fenfluramine increased metabolic rate and whether prior fasting, or ambient temperature altered the response. Regardless of whether the rats were fed or had been fasted for 22 hr, in a thermoneutral environment (28°C), the intraperitoneal injection of dl-fenfluramine (20 mg/kg) caused a raised oxygen consumption. This elevation was sustained to the end of the 60-min period of measurement after the injection, at which point the colonic temperature was found to be increased. This metabolic response to fenfluramine was largely attentuated when the drug was administered at 23°C, and the colonic temperature of the rats was decreased by 60 min after the injection. At 4°C, the injection of fenfluramine inhibited thermogenesis against cold, the oxygen consumption fell and the rats exhibited hypothermia. It was concluded that fenfluramine can increase the metabolic rate, but that this effect is not conditional on associated food intake, as has been reported. Rather, the ambient temperature governs whether stimulation or inhibition of thermogenesis will be evoked. These metabolic effects of fenfluramine explain, in part, its divergent effects on body temperature, reported previously.
Trees and Keislers problem

We give a new negative solution to Keisler's problem regarding Skolem functions and elementary extensions. In contrast to existing ad hoc solutions due to Payne, Knight, and Lachlan, our solution uses well-known models.
Building the Emotional Intelligence and Effective Functioning of Student Work Groups: Evaluation of an Instructional Program

Group-based learning is common practice in university classrooms. Despite the frequent student complaint of social loafing from teammates, methods for teaching students how to address teamwork issues are rarely incorporated into group assignments. Students are instructed on their final product, rather than their group process. In this article, an instructional method based on group emotional intelligence (GEI) theory for assisting students in addressing potential group derailment is described. The effectiveness of the model for building strong group norms and reducing social loafing was evaluated using a comparison group design. Formative and summative evaluation results are presented. Findings suggest that the instruction positively affected group handling of emotions and reduced social loafing behaviors.
Postoperative intra-abdominal collections using a sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) barrier at the time of laparotomy for uterine or cervical cancers.

Abstract Objectives A prior analysis of patients undergoing laparotomy for ovarian malignancies at our institution revealed an increased rate of intra-abdominal collections using HA-CMC film during debulking surgery. The primary objective of the current study was to determine whether the use of HA-CMC is associated with the development of postoperative intra-abdominal collections in patients undergoing laparotomy for uterine or cervical malignancies. Methods We retrospectively identified all laparotomies performed for these malignancies from 3/1/05 to 12/31/07. We identified cases involving the use of HA-CMC via billing records and operative reports. Intra-abdominal collections were defined as localized intraperitoneal fluid accumulations in the absence of re-accumulating ascites. We noted incidences of intra-abdominal collections, as well as other complications. Appropriate statistical tests were applied using SPSS 15.0. Results We identified 169 laparotomies in which HA-CMC was used and 347 in which HA-CMC was not used. The following were statistically similar in both cohorts: age, body mass index (BMI), primary site, surgery for recurrent disease, prior intraperitoneal surgery, and extent of current surgery. Intra-abdominal collections were seen in 6 (3.6%) of 169 HA-CMC cases compared to 10 (2.9%) of 347 non–HA-CMC cases ( p =0.7). The rate of infected collections was similar in both groups (1.2% vs. 1.4%). In the subgroup that underwent tumor debulking, intra-abdominal collections were seen in 3 (11.5%) of 26 HA-CMC cases compared to 2 (5.4%) of 37 non-HA-CMC cases ( p =0.6). Conclusions HA-CMC use does not appear to be associated with postoperative intra-abdominal collections in patients undergoing laparotomy for uterine or cervical cancer.
X-ray studies of bonding electrons. Corrections for bonds to hydrogen upon extension of the basis sets

Abstract XH bond distances (X = B, C) found from X-ray diffraction data are anomalously shortened when spherical atom densities are used in the analysis. Of this shortening, 0.05 A is associated with spherical atoms versus a minimum basis set, and an additional 0.03 A is associated with extension of this basis set.
Multistation observations of ELF/VLF whistler mode chorus

[1] An array of seven ELF/VLF receivers in Alaska is utilized for direction finding and determination of ionospheric exit point of whistler mode chorus waves from the Earth's magnetosphere. Each receiver records both orthogonal horizontal magnetic components of the chorus waves. All sites use GPS-synchronized sampling, allowing for the localization of ionospheric exit points utilizing both arrival azimuth and time of arrival lag between sites. Results show two distinct groups of cases, emissions with singular ionospheric exit points and those with multiple exit points. Singular exit point cases exhibit migration and mode conversion as a function of propagation distance from the source point. The multiple exit point case shows chorus waves impinging on the ionosphere over a spread in magnetic latitude, suggesting nonducted propagation. Ray tracing for this case is unable to reproduce the observations unless a cold plasma density different than that predicted by geomagnetic conditions is used. It is proposed that chorus elements cross the transionospheric boundary after experiencing scattering from meter-scale irregularities. Additionally, subionospheric VLF remote sensing is used to detect precipitation onto the ionosphere of energetic radiation belt electrons that have been pitch angle scattered by individual chorus emission packets. VLF perturbation signatures are consistent with precipitation fluxes being dominated by electrons with energies less than 1 MeV.
A parallel algorithm to construct a dominance graph on nonoverlapping rectangles

A parallel algorithm to generate the dominance graph on a collection of nonoverlapping iso-oriented rectangles is presented. This graph arises from the constraint graph commonly used in compaction algorithms for VLSI circuits. The dominance graph expresses the notion of “aboveness” on a collection of nonoverlapping rectangles: it is the directed graph which contains an edge from a rectangleb to rectanglec iffc is immediately aboveb. The algorithm is based on the divide and conquer paradigm; in the EREW PRAM model, it has time complexityO(log2n), usingn/logn processors. Its processor-time product isO(nlogn), which is optimal.
Protein synthesis directed by an amber coat-protein mutant of the RNA phage MS2.

Abstract Synthesis of viral coat protein or of a coat-protein fragment was examined in various host cells infected with a mutant strain of the RNA phage MS2. The mutant (MU9) has an amber nonsense mutation near the middle of the coat protein gene. Apparently the mutation has no polar effect. When protein synthesis is directed by MU9 under the non-suppressing condition, it would be expected that a peptide fragment of coat protein would be produced by premature termination of peptide synthesis at the site of the amber mutation. However, little coat protein or coat protein fragment was produced in MU9-infected non-suppressor cells; but the coat protein fragment was indeed synthesized in an in vitro protein-synthesizing system when MU9 RNA was used as messenger. The suppression of MU9 was examined by analyzing the production of intact coat protein under suppressing conditions in vivo and in vitro . Two suppressor hosts ( Su-I and Su-III ) were used which are known to suppress efficiently amber mutations in the alkaline phosphatase gene of Escherichia coli and the head protein gene of the bacteriophage T4D. It was found that Su-I was a good suppressor of MU9 both in vivo and in vitro , whereas Su-III was a very poor suppressor in vivo and a reasonably good suppressor (about half as good as Su-I ) in vitro . These results are interpreted to indicate that although viral RNA is synthesized vigorously in MU9-infected non-suppressor or suppressor ( Su-III ) cells, such RNA is incapable of directing the active synthesis of coat protein or coat-protein fragment. It is suggested that the synthesis of functional coat protein is a prerequisite for the preferential synthesis of viral coat protein.
A Cognitive Approach to Anger Management Treatment for Juvenile Offenders

ABSTRACT A cognitive approach to anger management is applied to juvenile offenders using a model developed by the author and social work interns. The model, STOP, a six-session group intervention, is used with juvenile offenders with histories of violent criminal referrals to the juvenile court. Its effectiveness in reducing referrals in general, and violent referrals to the court system, is assessed. A comparison group from the same population is matched on age and gender and approximated on number of violent referrals. The results were evaluated using a student T-test and the effect of the treatment model STOP was not statistically significant, F(14, 7.88) = 2.819, p = .115. The author concludes that the offenders in the group were from a sample of the most severe cases involved in the court. However, given the limited sample size of 15 per group, it is suggested that further use of this model with other samples may provide more meaningful data for determining effect size. It appears that the offenders ...
Invisible watermarking based on creation and robust insertion-extraction of image adaptive watermarks

This article presents a novel invisible robust watermarking scheme for embedding and extracting a digital watermark in an image. The novelty lies in determining a perceptually important subimage in the host image. Invisible insertion of the watermark is performed in the most significant region of the host image such that tampering of that portion with an intention to remove or destroy will degrade the esthetic quality and value of the image. One feature of the algorithm is that this subimage is used as a region of interest for the watermarking process and eliminates the chance of watermark removal. Another feature of the algorithm is the creation of a compound watermark using the input user watermark (logo) and attributes of the host image. This facilitates the homogeneous fusion of a watermark with the cover image, preserves the quality of the host image, and allows robust insertion-extraction. Watermark creation consists of two distinct phases. During the first phase, a statistical image is synthesized from a perceptually important subimage of the image. A compound watermark is created by embedding a watermark (logo) into the statistical synthetic image by using a visible watermarking technique. This compound watermark is invisibly embedded into the important block of the host image. The authentication process involves extraction of the perceptive logo as well statistical testing for two-layer evidence. Results of the experimentation using standard benchmarks demonstrates the robustness and efficacy of the proposed watermarking approach. Ownership proof could be established under various hostile attacks.
On the design of a learning crawler for topical resource discovery

In recent years, the World Wide Web has shown enormous growth in size. Vast repositories of information are available on practically every possible topic. In such cases, it is valuable to perform topical resource discovery effectively. Consequently, several new ideas have been proposed in recent years; among them a key technique is focused crawling which is able to crawl particular topical portions of the World Wide Web quickly, without having to explore all web pages. In this paper, we propose the novel concept of intelligent crawling which actually learns characteristics of the linkage structure of the World Wide Web while performing the crawling. Specifically, the intelligent crawler uses the inlinking web page content, candidate URL structure, or other behaviors of the inlinking web pages or siblings in order to estimate the probability that a candidate is useful for a given crawl. This is a much more general framework than the focused crawling technique which is based on a pre-defined understanding of the topical structure of the web. The techniques discussed in this paper are applicable for crawling web pages which satisfy arbitrary user-defined predicates such as topical queries, keyword queries, or any combinations of the above. Unlike focused crawling, it is not necessary to provide representative topical examples, since the crawler can learn its way into the appropriate topic. We refer to this technique as intelligent crawling because of its adaptive nature in adjusting to the web page linkage structure. We discuss how to intelligently select features which are most useful for a given crawl. The learning crawler is capable of reusing the knowledge gained in a given crawl in order to provide more efficient crawling for closely related predicates.
Insights from von Neumann analysis of high-order flux reconstruction schemes

The flux reconstruction (FR) approach unifies various high-order schemes, including collocation based nodal discontinuous Galerkin methods, and all spectral difference methods (at least for a linear flux function), within a single framework. Recently, an infinite number of linearly stable FR schemes were identified, henceforth referred to as Vincent-Castonguay-Jameson-Huynh (VCJH) schemes. Identification of VCJH schemes offers significant insight into why certain FR schemes are stable (whereas others are not), and provides a simple prescription for implementing an infinite range of linearly stable high-order methods. However, various properties of VCJH schemes have yet to be analyzed in detail. In the present study one-dimensional (1D) von Neumann analysis is employed to elucidate how various important properties vary across the full range of VCJH schemes. In particular, dispersion and dissipation properties are studied, as are the magnitudes of explicit time-step limits (based on stability considerations). 1D linear numerical experiments are undertaken in order to verify results of the 1D von Neumann analysis. Additionally, two-dimensional non-linear numerical experiments are undertaken in order to assess whether results of the 1D von Neumann analysis (which is inherently linear) extend to real world problems of practical interest.
Simplicial algorithms for computing stationary probabilities of stochastic matrices

The so called simplicial algorithms are put into use to compute the stationary probability distributions of stochastic matrices. This is a typical example of application of simplicial algorithms to compute the fixed points of a continuous map (Brouwer's theorem). We further demonstrate the variable grid refinement approach involved in the simplicial algorithms. The variable grid refinement scheme gives good accuracy and acceptable average computational complexity.
Designing a User Interface for a PDA-Based Campus Navigation Device

University campuses, like many other public and private institutional settings, pose challenges to visitors and newcomers finding their way from place to place. In some cases, such campuses have grown to the size of a small town. Maps and tour guides have traditionally been the means used to assist visitors find their way; however, the recent development of high-power, low-cost mobile computing opens the door to portable electronic navigational aids. This paper focuses on user interface concerns in a personal digital assistant (PDA) based campus guide. Cognitive and visual display engineering principles are used to develop a preferred preliminary design. Subjective feedback and quantitative data on the user interface are gathered in a small pilot study. The appropriateness of the design and its implications for future work are also discussed.
Radiation damage to the 316 stainless steel target container vessel at SNS

Abstract In the past, our calculations of radiation damage (concentrations of displacements, helium atoms, and hydrogen atoms) to the 316 stainless steel (316SS) container vessel at the spallation neutron source (SNS) mercury target dealt with the average damage rates in a volume at the nose of the vessel. This paper describes an attempt to improve the accuracy of estimates of the damage rates at the center of the proton beam where the damage rates are expected to be the highest. Four series of calculations (Series I–IV) were conducted to determine the damage rates within volumes (tally volumes) that varied systematically in location in the vessel. This permitted extrapolation to the rates at the tip of the vessel nose ( Z =0) and at the center of the proton beam ( X = Y =0). The total damage rates due to protons and neutrons were found to be: 36 dpa/yr, 1400 appmHe/yr, and 20 000 appmH/yr. In addition, insight was gained into how the damage rates vary with position in the vessel nose and at locations further downstream in the vessel.
Submicrometer displacement sensing using inner-product multimode fiber speckle fields

A multimode fiber sensor using the intensity inner product of speckle fields is presented. The sensitivity and the dynamic range of the displacement sensing are quantitatively analyzed. We show that the sensitivity of displacement can be in the submicrometer range. Experimental performances show that the results are consistent with the calculated results.
Consumer health information technology in an adult public health primary care clinic: A heart health education feasibility study

Abstract Objective To explore the feasibility and short term outcomes of using an interactive kiosk integrated into office flow to deliver health information in a primary care clinic. Methods Fifty-one adults with BMI ≥25 were randomly assigned to use a kiosk with attached devices to receive a six-week healthy eating/weight monitoring (intervention) or general health/BP monitoring (attention-control) program. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 8 weeks (post) and three month follow-up. Results Participants completed an average of 2.73 weekly sessions, with transportation and time given as limiting factors. They found the kiosk easy to use (97%), liked the touchscreen (94%), and would use the kiosk again (81%). Although there were no differences between groups, the 27 completing all assessments showed reduced weight ( p =.02), and decreased systolic ( p =.01) and diastolic BP ( p Conclusion Using a kiosk within a clinic setting is a feasible method of providing health information and self-monitoring. Multi-session educational content can provide beneficial short-term outcomes in overweight adults. Practice implications A kiosk with attached peripherals in a clinic setting is a viable adjunct to provider education, particularly in medically underserved areas.
Symmetry-selected electron-energy-loss scattering in diamond.

Inelastic electron scattering using a two-beam channeling condition is used for the first time to create excitations having selectable even or odd symmetry relative to an atom column. The method is first established using plasmon and interband scattering in diamond. Next, for the carbon 1s absorption edge, scattering to modes having odd symmetry gives a strong exciton peak. Scattering to modes having even symmetry results in a depressed edge having no exciton peak in evidence.
Ferromagnetic nanoparticles with peroxidase-like activity enhance the cleavage of biological macromolecules for biofilm elimination

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a “green chemical” that has various cleaning and disinfectant uses, including as an anti-bacterial agent for hygienic and medical treatments. However, its efficacy is limited against biofilm-producing bacteria, because of poor penetration into the protective, organic matrix. Here we show new applications for ferromagnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4, MNPs) with peroxidase-like activity in potentiating the efficacy of H2O2 in biofilm degradation and prevention. Our data show that MNPs enhanced oxidative cleavage of biofilm components (model nucleic acids, proteins, and oligosaccharides) in the presence of H2O2. When challenged with live, biofilm-producing bacteria, the MNP–H2O2 system efficiently broke down the existing biofilm and prevented new biofilms from forming, killing both planktonic bacteria and those within the biofilm. By enhancing oxidative cleavage of various substrates, the MNP–H2O2 system provides a novel strategy for biofilm elimination, and other applications utilizing oxidative breakdown.
Sustainable systems theory: ecological and other aspects

Abstract While sustainability is generally associated with the definition of sustainable development given by the Brundtland Commission ‘Our common future (1987) Oxford University Press,’ namely ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,’ it is important to recognize that a mathematical theory embodying these concepts would be immensely valuable in humanity's efforts to manage the environment. The concept of sustainability applies to integrated systems comprising humans and the rest of nature. The structures and operation of the human component (in terms of society, economy, law, etc.) must be such that these reinforce or promote the persistence of the structures and operation of the natural component (in terms of ecosystem trophic linkages, biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, etc.), and vice versa. Thus, one of the challenges of sustainability research lies in linking measures of ecosystem functioning to the structure and operation of the associated social system. We propose that indicators based on Information Theory can bridge the natural and human system elements, and make sense of the disparate state variables of the system. Thus, in this paper we explore the use of Fisher Information, which is a statistical measure of variation, as an aggregating index for dynamic systems of many variables. We have developed a novel application of Fisher Information to time-series data of dynamic systems, which (borrowing from statistical mechanics) uses an ensemble average of the system dynamics. We demonstrate this methodology using an uncalibrated 5-trophic level, 12-compartment (species) food web model with an associated basic social system for the population of omnivores at the top of the food chain. The model has five functional groups: detritus, primary producers, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. In addition to a seasonal forcing function, perturbation scenarios involving each of the parts of the system are simulated so as to explore the sustainability of the system under various types of stress, including basic human behaviors, such as agriculture. Since Fisher Information is a measure of the variation, we hypothesize that it is an indicator of system order, and thus system sustainability. This work is part of a multidisciplinary group at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Risk Management Research Laboratory.
Application of MEMS Microphone Array Technology to Airframe Noise Measurements

Current generation microphone directional array instrumentation is capable of extracting accurate noise source location and directivity data on a variety of aircraft components, resulting in significant gains in test productivity. However, with this gain in productivity has come the desire to install larger and more complex arrays in a variety of ground test facilities, creating new challenges for the designers of array systems. To overcome these challenges, a research study was initiated to identify and develop hardware and fabrication technologies which could be used to construct an array system exhibiting acceptable measurement performance but at much lower cost and with much simpler installation requirements. This paper describes an effort to fabricate a 128-sensor array using commercially available Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) microphones. The MEMS array was used to acquire noise data for an isolated 26%-scale high-fidelity Boeing 777 landing gear in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Stability Tunnel across a range of Mach numbers. The overall performance of the array was excellent, and major noise sources were successfully identified from the measurements.
Initial Evaluation of a Coal Burning Turbine Powered Vehicle System

Recent developments inpowdered coal technology have increased its potential as a fuel for the gas turbine engine. Coal processors have developed the capability to produce a clean, more refined powdered coal which offers the maximum utilization of the energy of coal. These developments led General Motors to investigate the use of coal to power a gas turbine vehicle. This investigation resulted in the demonstration of two passenger car vehicles powered by gas turbines running on micronized coal. Two cars were equiped to run on coal dust: a Delta 88 Oldsmobile and the Cadillac El Dorado. The driveability of both vehicles operating on micronized coal was nearly comparable to thee vehicle operating with a gas turbine on diesel fuel. The main difference was detected in the slower gasifier acceleration rate due to the slower fuel delivery rate of the metering pump. Although many hours have been completed in component combustor, engine, and vehicle driveability testing, many more hours will be required to establish the cleanliness of the micronized coal fuels necessary to allow sufficient turbine hot parats life. Based on projected costs of clean coal fuels at the plant gate, a micronized coal powder can be competitive with the refinery plant gate cost of diesel fuel produced from as low as $22/bbl crude oil. The use of micronized clean coals provides the highest energy recovery of a transportation fuel from coal. The feasibility of providing a mobile system for using clean micronized coal as a fuel has been demonstrated. demonstrated.
General Values as Related to Clothing Values of Mexican-American Women

As part of a broader study designed to determine the culturalfactors that influence the clothing and appearance of Mexican-American women, the relationship between general values and clothing values and the hierarchy of each value type was explored. Using standard scales, it was found that a relationship existed between the general values and the clothing values of the subjects. A unique hierarchy of both general and clothing values were found for the Mexican-American women subjects that was reflective of, but different from, those of Mexican and Anglo-American women subjects. Of greatest interest was the pioneer nature of the use ofscales that have not been usedpreviously on a Mexican or Mexican-American population.
Polystyrene-based superacidic solid acid catalyst: synthesis and its application in biodiesel production

A polystyrene-supported superacidic fluoroalkyl sulfonic acid catalyst (sPS-S) was synthesized using a combination of iridium-catalyzed C–H borylation and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions. Catalytic activity of the new solid acid catalyst was examined for esterification of fatty acids and transesterification of triglyceride with methanol. Significantly higher activity than those of commercial sulfonated ion-exchange resins (Amberlyst 15 and Nafion NR50) was achieved with a catalyst loading as low as 0.5 wt%. The solid catalyst could be easily recovered by filtration and reused. Consistently high activities were obtained from the esterification for up to ten consecutive runs.
Occurrence and use of Compsopogon coeruleus (Rhodophyta: Compsopogonaceae) in Fiji, South Pacific

Abstract The rhodophyte Compsopogon coeruleus (Balbis ex C. Agardh) Montagne is newly recorded from Fiji, South Pacific. Plants occur in dense masses in the Wainivesi River in the province of Tailevu. Local villagers collect the plants and use them to cook a “pudding” with tinned fish, very similar to “puddings” prepared by coastal Fijians using marine species such as Gracilaria and Hypnea. This is the first documented account of the use of Compsopogon as a gelling agent in the preparation of human food.
New Automotive Sensors—A Review

This paper focuses on the primary automotive sensor technologies used today and their related system applications. This paper describes new automotive sensors that measure position, pressure, torque, exhaust temperature, angular rate, engine oil quality, flexible fuel composition, long-range distance, short-range distance, and ambient gas concentrations. In addition, new features are described for sensors that measure linear acceleration, exhaust oxygen, comfort/convenience factors, and night vision. New automotive system applications are described for sensors that measure speed/timing, mass air flow, and occupant safety/security.
Outcome of long term active surveillance for estrogen receptor-positive ductal carcinoma in situ.

Abstract Introduction An option for active surveillance is not currently offered to patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS); however a small number of women decline standard surgical treatment for noninvasive cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes in a cohort of 14 well-informed women who elected non-surgical active surveillance with endocrine treatment alone for estrogen receptor-positive DCIS. Methods Retrospective review of 14 women, 12 of whom were enrolled in an IRB-approved single-arm study of 3 months of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy prior to definitive surgical management. The patients in this report withdrew from the parent study opting instead for active surveillance with endocrine treatment and imaging. Results 8 women had surgery at a median follow up of 28.3 months (range 10.1–70 months), 5 had stage I IDC at surgical excision, and 3 had DCIS alone. 6 women remain on surveillance without evidence of invasive disease for a median of 31.8 months (range 11.8–80.8 months). Conclusion Long-term active surveillance for DCIS is feasible in a well-informed patient population, but is associated with risk of invasive cancer at surgical excision.
Results of a formal methods demonstration project

This paper describes the results of a cooperative study [D-11432] conducted by a team of researchers in formal methods (FM) at three NASA centers (The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Johnson Space Center (JSC), and Langley Research Center (LaRC)) to demonstrate FM techniques and to tailor them to critical NASA software systems. FM is a set of techniques and tools based on formal logic and mathematics for the purpose of specifying and verifying computer systems and software. This pilot project applied FM to an existing critical software subsystem. The Shuttle's Jet Select subsystem (Phase I of an ongoing study). The Prototype Verification System (PVS) specification language and tool developed at SRI International was used for this study. This study shows that FM can be used successfully to uncover hidden issues in a highly critical and mature Functional Subsystem Software Requirements (FSSR) specification which are very difficult to discover by traditional means. >
Trapping noctuid moths with synthetic floral volatile lures

Male and female noctuid moths were collected from plastic bucket traps that were baited with different synthetic floral chemicals and placed in peanut fields. Traps baited with phenylacetaldehyde, benzyl acetate, and a blend of phenylacetaldehyde, benzyl acetate, and benzaldehyde collected more soybean looper moths, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), than benzaldehyde-baited or unbaited traps. Females comprised over 67% of the moths captured and most were mated. At peak capture, over 90 male and female moths per night were collected. In another experiment, phenylacetaldehyde delivered in plastic stoppers attracted more P. includens moths than traps baited using other substrates, but this chemical delivered in wax attracted more velvetbean caterpillar moths (Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner). Other noctuid male and female moths collected included Agrotis subterranea (F.), Argyrogramma verruca (F.), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and several Spodoptera species. Aculeate Hymenoptera were collected in large numbers, especially in traps baited with phenylacetaldehyde delivered from stoppers.
Polysilicon-emitter SiGe-base bipolar transistors-what happens when Ge gets into the emitter?

An analytical model is developed for evaluating the effect of emitter depth variation on base and collector currents in a polysilicon-emitter SiGe-base bipolar transistor. It is shown that the base current is relatively insensitive to the Ge distribution in the single-crystalline emitter region, consistent with reported experimental results. On the other hand, the collector current and Early voltage are functions of the Ge distribution, Ge-free cap thickness, and final emitter depth. In particular, the current gain and Early voltage could have a strong dependence on emitter depth when there is a residual Ge-free layer left in the final quasi-neutral base. However, if the emitter-base junction is located in a constant-Ge region, then large current gains can be achieved that are relatively insensitive to emitter-depth variation, consistent with reported results. The inverse relationship between current gain and Early voltage is noted and contrasted with that of a wide-gap-emitter HBT.
Factors influencing patient satisfaction after rotator cuff repair

A number of variables are used to assess the outcome of rotator cuff repair (RCR), including patient satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that affect patient satisfaction after RCR. The study assessed 112 patients (118 shoulders) with chronic rotator cuff tears preoperatively and at a mean of 54 months (range, 34-85 months) after RCR by using several functional outcome questionnaires and an evaluation of patient satisfaction. Of these, 95% were satisfied with the outcome of the surgery. Satisfaction was significantly correlated with the improvement in functional outcomes and general health status and absolute postoperative functional outcomes. Married, currently working, and nondisabled patients had greater satisfaction. High preoperative and postoperative met expectations were also positively correlated with patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction is most highly correlated with the pain, function, and general health status of the patient after RCR. We conclude that aspects of treatment that maximize the functional outcome are important in achieving patient satisfaction after RCR.
Can Effective Policing Also Be Respectful? Two Examples in the South Bronx:

Crime in New York City declined dramatically following the introduction of a set of new police strategies in 1994. The number of civilian complaints against the police, however, rose dramatically a...
Loosening the ties that bind--novel strategy to enhance oral bioavailability.

The vast majority of the gastrointestinal tract is lined by a columnar epithelium that presents a formidable barrier to the delivery of hydrophilic drugs and absorption of other similar substances, including nutrients ([Burton et al., 2002][1]; [Houin and Woodley, 2002][2]). Such substances can only
The New Atheism and Models of God: The Case of Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins is the only New Atheist who provides an explicit model of God. According to his “God Hypothesis,” which he argues is “very nearly false,” “there exists a superhuman, supernatural intelligence who deliberately designed and created the universe and everything in it, including us.” But his argument is inadequate against traditional monotheism, since the monotheist model the God Hypothesis entails omits important elements of classical monotheist models of God. In particular, Dawkins’ assumption that God would have to be complex in such a way as to need to have been designed is questionable from the standpoint of perfect being theology. Moreover, his argument does not even exclude an imperfect monotheist god, since each of its premises is doubtful. Furthermore, even if his argument succeeded against these two varieties of monotheism, it would fail to rule out divine realities described by non-monotheist models of God such as pantheism and panentheism.
R&D and Productivity: Measurement Issues and Econometric Results

The direct successes of space, defense, and health research are not reflected in the national productivity accounts. Nor are many of the improvements in technologically complex new products. Econometric studies underestimate, therefore, the full contribution of R&D, especially since it is difficult to trace its spillover effects. Nevertheless, a recent study finds a significant contribution of R&D to productivity growth in the largest U.S. manufacturing corporations, with no evidence of a major decline in it, and a larger role for basic research and a smaller one for federally financed R&D expenditures than is implied by their relative importance in total R&D expenditures.
Ethical Issues in Mobile Psychiatric Treatment with Homebound Elderly Patients: The Psychogeriatric Assessment and Treatment in City Housing Experience

Unique and challenging ethical difficulties arise during mobile psychiatric treatment of elderly patients. This article outlines and analyzes five of these challenges that have been encountered during nearly 20 years of experience with the Psychogeriatric Assessment and Treatment in City Housing Program in Baltimore, Maryland. The ethical challenges reviewed are: establishing the treatment contract versus the right to refuse treatment, protecting confidentiality versus patient protection, protecting autonomy versus asserting beneficence, treatment termination versus open-ended treatment, and cost versus benefit of care. Ethical challenges with homebound elderly patients are unique because of patient characteristics as well as features of the treatment environment.
Negotiated Rational Commitment and Decommitment in Sensor Webs

The work presented in this paper uses a modified Jadex Contract Net Protocol to create coalitions of sensors that are joined into a Sensor Web. We describe how we adapt the protocol to use argumentation-based negotiation allowing the sensors to rationally commit to tasks and decommit from previously scheduled tasks to join an alternate Sensor Web. We also describe how we will test our negotiation-based Sensor Web system using sensor data collected from the South East Alaska Monitoring Network for Science, Telecommunication,Education, and Research database.
Determination of riboflavin by high-performance liquid chromatography with riboflavin-depleted urine as calibration and control matrix.

Abstract A simple method, exposure to natural-light, was developed to remove riboflavin from urine to enhance its use as the biological matrix for the preparation of calibration and control samples. Riboflavin-depleted urine containing less than 1 ng/ml of riboflavin was used to validate a high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection method for the determination of urinary riboflavin. The linearity of the assay ( r 2 = 0.999) was acceptable over the range of 10–5000 ng/ml. The intra-assay and inter-assay CVs were 3.3% and 9%, respectively. Subsequent stability studies found that urine riboflavin was stable for up to 6 months at 4 or −20 °C.
Adjunctive Thrombectomy and Distal Protection in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Impact on Microvascular Perfusion and Outcomes

A significant proportion of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction have persistent impairment of microvascular blood flow despite successful reperfusion of epicardial vessels. Microvascular dysfunction has been associated with larger infarct size, increased predisposition to ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, recurrent myocardial infarction, and death. It remains unclear whether this association is of direct mechanistic significance or whether the microcirculatory injury is an epiphenomenon and a manifestation of greater ischemic insult to the myocardium. Although several potential mechanisms have been proposed for the microvascular dysfunction, distal microembolization during mechanical reperfusion is likely to be an important contributor. Consequently, there has been increasing interest in the concept of adjunctive mechanical thrombectomy to improve outcomes in primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Until recently, randomized trials of thrombectomy and distal protection devices during primary percutaneous coronary intervention have provided conflicting results with no definitive evidence for efficacy. The recently published Thrombus Aspiration During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction Study has rekindled the interest in this area. This trial is the largest randomized study of a thrombectomy device published to date and demonstrates that adjunctive treatment with aspiration thrombectomy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention improves surrogate and clinical end points. The aim of the present report is to review the evidence to date on the role of mechanical thrombectomy and embolic protection in native coronary arteries during primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
New methods for determining the enantiomeric purity of erythro -sphingosine.

The enantiomeric purity of erythro -sphingosine samples can be determined simply, reliably, and accurately from 1 H or 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the a -methoxy- a -(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetate (MTPA) deriv- ative. As little as 0.1% of the minor enantiomer could be ob- served in a 1-mg sample, and detection limits of 1% and 5% were estimated for samples of 100 m g and 10 m g. The two threo -sphingosine enantiomers and four dihydrosphingo- sine stereoisomers were also differentiated by this tech- nique, which served as an effective method for assessing the purity of sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine samples. Enantiomeric and diastereomeric purities could also be de- termined by normal-phase high performance liquid chro- matographic analysis of the MTPA derivatives. —Li, S., W. K. Wilson, and G. J. Schroepfer, Jr. New methods for de- termining the enantiomeric purity of erythro -sphingosine. J. Lipid Res. 1999. 40: 764-772.
DNA Repair Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) are a small subset in heterogeneous breast cancer cell populations and are responsible for breast cancer initiation. BCSC have stem cell properties. The maintenance and propaganda of BCSC is controlled by an intrinsic stem cell signaling network and regulated by extrinsic environmental factors. BCSC are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The therapeutic resistance of BCSC derives from multiple mechanisms. In this chapter, we discussed the potential mechanisms for enhanced DNA repair of BCSC in the response to DNA damage.
Quality Control Protocol for Confocal Systems

Quantitative analysis of confocal imaging experiments require more stringent quality control of instrument function than qualitative imaging. Unfortunately, there are no standard procedures for quality control that are uniformly implemented, and, in multi user facilities experimenters rarely have access to the QC information. This paper proposes an easy and very efficient protocol that could be performed at the beginning of each day, experiment or even slide. It takes only a few minutes to assess laser stability, stage stability, channel registration in 3 dimensions and flatness of field. The information may be used either to calibrate data or, in more severe cases to request servicing the instrument.
What’s at the Bottom of Alice’s Rabbit Hole

Measurements of black body radiation could not be duplicated with simple mathematical formulations. A curve fit to the short wavelengths did not fit the shorter wavelengths and vice versa. Max Planck found a solution by assuming the energy is not continuous but comes in discrete particles, known as quanta. This explained the photoelectric effect. Niels Bohr produced a new model for the structure of the atom using quantum physics. This had major implications for understanding the periodic table of the elements. It was realized that waves have a particulate nature and vice versa, ushering in the second quantum revolution. It was discovered that atoms can undergo spontaneous nuclear fission.
How do people respond to health news? The role of personality traits.

When a patient receives a health diagnosis, their response (e.g. changes in behaviour, seeking support) can have significant consequences for long-term health and well-being. Characteristics of health news are known to influence these responses, but personality traits have been omitted from this line of research. The current study examines the role of personality traits in predicting response to health news. Participants (N = 298) read scenarios in which they received health news that was manipulated to vary in severity, controllability and likelihood of outcomes. Participants then rated how likely they were to engage in a number of response behaviours. We examined the main effects and interaction of situational manipulations and personality traits on ratings of these behaviours. Both situations and personality traits influenced behavioural responses to health events. In particular, conscientiousness predicted taking action and seeking social support. Neuroticism predicted both maladaptive and adaptive behavioural responses, providing support for the 'healthy neurotic' hypothesis. Moreover, personality traits predicted best in weak (unlikely, controllable) situations. Both personality traits and situational characteristics contribute to behavioural responses to health news.
Crowdsourcing the landscape of cannabis (marijuana) of the contiguous United States

Since cannabis (marijuana) has been listed by the U.S. federal government as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, legalization of cannabis has been a hot topic for decades. In this featured graphic, a total number of 296,192 self-reported cannabis records from the contiguous United States were collected by crowdsourcing. With a national average cannabis price of 284 USD/oz., states with the highest price of cannabis are where cannabis possession/selling is illegal and the sample size is small; states with the lowest price of cannabis where cannabis possession/selling is legal.