cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The spatiotemporal distribution of pre-exposure prophylaxis accessibility in the United States, 2016-2020.

ABSTRACT Purpose Residing in areas with little spatial accessibility to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) providers, or PrEP deserts, contributes to low PrEP uptake. This study examines and characterizes the spatial distribution of PrEP accessibility in the United States over time. Methods We conducted spatial network analyses and geographic mapping to explore the spatiotemporal distribution of persistent PrEP deserts (census tracts with suboptimal accessibility in 2016 and 2020), new PrEP deserts (tracts with suboptimal accessibility in 2020 but not 2016), new PrEP oases (tracts with suboptimal accessibility in 2016 but not 2020), and persistent PrEP oases (tracts with optimal accessibility in 2016 and 2020). We used polytomous logistic regression to determine area-level factors associated with these four spatiotemporal PrEP accessibility types. Results There was a reduction of 52.8% in the prevalence of 30-minute PrEP deserts from 2016 (28,055 tracts) to 2020 (13,240 tracts) and an increase of 33.5% in 30-minute PrEP oases from 2016 (44,259 tracts) to 2020 (59,074 tracts). Of all tracts, 12,487 (17.3%) were persistent PrEP deserts, 753 (1.0%) were new PrEP deserts, 15,568 (21.5%) were new PrEP oases, and 43,506 (60.1%) were persistent PrEP oases. Overall, persistent PrEP oases were more likely to be of higher socioeconomic status, racially/ethnically diverse, located in urban areas, and located in the Northeast compared with other spatiotemporal PrEP accessibility types, with variation by urbanicity and U.S. Census region. Conclusions Efforts to improve PrEP accessibility should be especially focused in disadvantaged communities in nonurban areas and the South, Midwest, and West. Monitoring changes in the spatial accessibility of PrEP over time and determining the factors associated with such changes can help to evaluate progress made towards improving PrEP accessibility.
Low dimensional topology

Low-dimensional topology has long been a fertile area for the interaction of many different disciplines of mathematics, including differential geometry, hyperbolic geometry, combinatorics, representation theory, global analysis, classical mechanics, and theoretical physics. The Park City Mathematics Institute summer school in 2006 explored in depth the most exciting recent aspects of this interaction, aimed at a broad audience of both graduate students and researchers. The present volume is based on lectures presented at the summer school on low-dimensional topology. These notes give fresh, concise, and high-level introductions to these developments, often with new arguments not found elsewhere. The volume will be of use both to graduate students seeking to enter the field of low-dimensional topology and to senior researchers wishing to keep up with current developments. The volume begins with notes based on a special lecture by John Milnor about the history of the topology of manifolds. It also contains notes from lectures by Cameron Gordon on the basics of three-manifold topology and surgery problems, Mikhail Khovanov on his homological invariants for knots, John Etnyre on contact geometry, Ron Fintushel and Ron Stern on constructions of exotic four-manifolds, David Gabai on the hyperbolic geometry and the ending lamination theorem, Zoltan Szabo on Heegaard Floer homology for knots and three manifolds, and John Morgan on Hamilton's and Perelman's work on Ricci flow and geometrization.
Male Erectile Dysfunction

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on male erectile dysfunction, its etiology, and the mechanism involved in erection. Sexual dysfunction is a common, almost expected, consequence of autonomic dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction may present with decreased erectile rigidity in the man, decreased libido, absent or delayed orgasm in either sex, or rapid ejaculation. Sexual thoughts from the cerebral cortex, nocturnal cortical stimuli during REM sleep, and tactile sexual stimulation may trigger penile erection. Cortical areas involved in sexual function include the medial preoptic area, medial amygdala, paraventricular nucleus, periaqueductal gray, and the ventral tegmentum. Sexual stimulation causes release into the cavernous neuromuscular junction of a number of neurotransmitters from cholinergic parasympathetic and nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) fibers. The anatomical site felt to be the most common cause of erectile dysfunction in the general population is the neuromuscular junction where the NANC nerves meet the smooth muscle and vascular endothelium of the deep cavernous penile arteries. Pure neurogenic erectile dysfunction is a frequent cause of erectile failure. Interruption of either somatic or autonomic nerves or their end units may cause erectile dysfunction.
Client involvement in a web-based intervention targeting substance abuse treatment in the criminal justice system

Results This study uses data from the first 84 clients who completed the web-based program. The data provided from this study covers probationer involvement with the MAPIT intervention in relation to early goal planning and electronic reminder selection on positive 2-month outcomes. In terms of early goal planning, clients were most likely to select goals such as “Make a list of things I could do to stay sober” (62%); “Write down the date and time of my first PO visit” (52%); and “Get a binder to keep my probation documents in” (50%). In terms of reminder preference, 51 percent wanted to receive text or email reminders about their goals (31% requested text; 20% requested email). Most clients wanted reminders early in the week, and in the morning. Women, low/moderate risk, and older clients (> 35 years old) were more likely to ask for reminders. Those who selected to receive email reminders selected the greatest number of goals (M = 5.3) compared to those who chose text (M = 4.1) or no reminder (M = 3.0), F = 6.20, p = .004. In term of positive 2-month outcomes, probationers in the email reminder group were significantly more likely to be abstinent and were significantly more likely to initiate treatment at follow-up (c = 6.25, df = 2, p < .05 and c = 6.51, df = 2, p < .05, respectively), compared to the text reminder and no reminder groups. Early signs of non-responding were indicated by participants choosing the minimum number of goals (2), not selecting to receive electronic reminders, and not completing any goals by visit two, and were indicative of poorer outcomes.
Circulation in the Salt Wedge Estuary

The dynamics of the salt wedge estuary are studied in detailed steady-state laboratory experiments with Reynolds numbers of the order of 104. Flow observations show an interfacial region that is in a laminar-turbulent state of marginal instability. Results are presented from the application of a two-layer model for salt wedge dynamics that has been developed on the basis of the experimentally observed flow structure and on the basis of asymptotic similarity theory for stratified shear flows. The model results are in good agreement with the limited available large scale field observations on overall salt wedge circulation and geometry.
Sensitivity study for urban change analysis comparing landsat-ETM+ and Terra-ASTER data

Data of Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) and Terra Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) have been examined to reveal differences and similarities concerning urban change analysis. A mosaic from two ASTER scenes and a Landsat ETM+ scene were compared on the basis of invariant targets. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the influence of geometric and spectral differences between these two sensors. It could be shown that - despite comparable sensor concepts - dissimilarities in geometric and spectral properties lead to measurable variations in statistical and thematic indicators. However, it is believed that notwithstanding these differences, a multi-temporal change analysis based on Landsat-TM, ETM+ and Terra-ASTER is a feasible approach to monitor urban change, if divergences are correctly understood and the related uncertainties can be quantified.
Automated pericardium delineation and epicardial fat volume quantification from noncontrast CT.

Purpose: The authors aimed to develop and validate an automated algorithm for epicardial fat volume (EFV) quantification from noncontrast CT. Methods: The authors developed a hybrid algorithm based on initial segmentation with a multiple-patient CT atlas, followed by automated pericardium delineation using geodesic active contours. A coregistered segmented CT atlas was created from manually segmented CT data and stored offline. The heart and pericardium in test CT data are first initialized by image registration to the CT atlas. The pericardium is then detected by a knowledge-based algorithm, which extracts only the membrane representing the pericardium. From its initial atlas position, the pericardium is modeled by geodesic active contours, which iteratively deform and lock onto the detected pericardium. EFV is automatically computed using standard fat attenuation range. Results: The authors applied their algorithm on 50 patients undergoing routine coronary calcium assessment by CT. Measurement time was 60 s per-patient. EFV quantified by the algorithm (83.60 ± 32.89 cm3) and expert readers (81.85 ± 34.28 cm3) showed excellent correlation (r = 0.97, p < 0.0001), with no significant differences by comparison of individual data points (p = 0.15). Voxel overlap by Dice coefficient between the algorithm and expert readers was 0.92 (range 0.88–0.95). The mean surface distance and Hausdorff distance in millimeter between manually drawn contours and the automatically obtained contours were 0.6 ± 0.9 mm and 3.9 ± 1.7 mm, respectively. Mean difference between the algorithm and experts was 9.7% ± 7.4%, similar to interobserver variability between 2 readers (8.0% ± 5.3%, p = 0.3). Conclusions: The authors’ novel automated method based on atlas-initialized active contours accurately and rapidly quantifies EFV from noncontrast CT.
Fundamental resolution limits of a coded-excitation system for real-time pulse-echo imaging

A general analytical formula for image formation in a phased array system employing conventional beamforming, matched filtering, or pseudoinverse filtering with coded excitation is presented. Range and lateral resolution limits for the matched filtering approach are derived and compared with the well known diffraction limits encountered in conventional beamforming and super-resolution limits achievable with the pseudoinverse filters in the noise-free case. Experimental data is obtained to support the validity of the analytical results. It is shown that, even in the presence of noise, the regularized PI operator produces lateral resolution that exceeds the diffraction limit. This is achieved at practical SNR values for the imaging system and does not result in sacrificing contrast resolution.
A 150-MHz coherent radar system (ice cap sounding)

A 150-MHz coherent radar has been developed for sounding the Antarctic ice cap. The radar has a peak power of 20 W, but it has a chirp gain of 26 and coherent processing gain from 256 to 64000, depending on control settings and application. A low time-bandwidth product was required for the chirp, to allow operation from the surface of the ice with a minimum range of only 250 m. The system uses 17-MHz bandwidth to achieve about 5-m resolution in ice or about 9 m in air. A pair of SAW (surface acoustic wave) dispersive delay lines provide linear FM pulse expansion and compression. The RF and digital portions of the system are described along with the software. The radar was tested successfully in both surface and airborne modes in West Antarctica during December 1987. >
New micro- and mesoporous materials based on VOPO4 chemistry

Abstract A brief review of porosity in zeolites, pillared layers and the new mesoporous materials serves as an introduction to the present study. A dark green-layered vanadyl phosphate of composition [(VO) 3 (PO 4 ) 3 (H 2 O) 3 ]·4H 2 O was prepared hydrothermally. It was found to intercalate close to 3 mols of amine per VOPO 4 unit. These amine-intercalated phases react with inorganic polymers in alcohol as the solvent under reflux to yield both micro- and mesoporous materials. These reactions exhibit features of both pillaring and template guided reactions. Materials with very narrow pore distributions are obtained by an, as yet, undetermined mechanism. Thermal treatment leads to larger pores with a still narrow pore size distribution. The goal is to prepare catalytically active porous materials with pore diameters in the 10–20 A range.
Infrared Window Manufacturing Technology

We discuss some new techniques being applied in the polishing, testing and coating of protective windows that function as integral components of high performance infrared sensor systems.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Mozart effect: Not learning from history

Abstract This paper critiques the links between recent reports on the impact of early experience on the developing brain and proposed policies and interventions for young children. Using the “Mozart effect” as a contemporary example, as well as several examples from history, the case is made that brain research is being misappropriated to the service of misguided, “quick fix” solutions to more complicated, systemic issues. The paper concludes with a brief summary of research that, by contrast, illustrates the substantive contribution of high quality, intensive, multidomain interventions to early cognitive and social development.
A Kahn-Priddy sequence and a conjecture of G. W. Whitehead

In this paper we simultaneously prove a conjecture of G. W. Whitehead concerning symmetric product spectra and extend the epimorphism of the Kahn-Priddy Theorem to a long exact sequence. This sequence can be interpreted as a minimal resolution of the integral Eilenberg-MacLane spectrum by suspension spectra.
A study of the diurnal variation in the thermosphere as derived by satellite drag

An analysis was performed on 29,574 densities derived from the drag of 10 satellites to determine simultaneously the parameters of the solar-activity effect in the thermosphere on the one hand, and the amplitude and shape of the diurnal-variation curve on the other. This paper reports on the study of the diurnal variation only. Although a considerable amount of smoothing is inherent in the drag method, it seemed useful to see whether any change could be detected in the shape of the diurnal-variation curve with height, latitude and solar activity. None was detected; the curve remains remarkably stable, symmetric, with a maximum at 14 hr 20 min L.S.T. and a minimum at 2 hr 20 min L.S.T. A systematic variation of the temperature range with height is observed when static models are used to derive it.
Cervicothoracic Airway Injury Repair Using Double-Wide Intercostal Muscle Flap

We present a useful technique for the surgical management of long-segment cervicothoracic tracheobronchial injury using a double-wide intercostal muscle flap. This flap is a modification of a previously endorsed technique extending the ability to reinforce repairs of tracheobronchial injuries not adequately covered by a single intercostal muscle flap.
Cultural brokerage: Creating linkages between voices of lifeworld and medicine in cross-cultural clinical settings.

Culturally competent healthcare has emerged as a policy solution to racial and ethnic health disparities in the United States. Current research indicates that patient-centered care is a central com...
Tubular Enhanced Geodesic Active Contours for continuum robot detection using 3D ultrasound

Three dimensional ultrasound is a promising imaging modality for minimally invasive robotic surgery. As the robots are typically metallic, they interact strongly with the sound waves in ways that are not modeled by the ultrasound system's signal processing algorithms. Consequently, they produce substantial imaging artifacts that can make image guidance difficult, even for experienced surgeons. This paper introduces a new approach for detecting curved continuum robots in 3D ultrasound images. The proposed approach combines geodesic active contours with a speed function that is based on enhancing the “tubularity” of the continuum robot. In particular, it takes advantage of the known robot diameter along its length. It also takes advantage of the fact that the robot surface facing the ultrasound probe provides the most accurate image. This method, termed Tubular Enhanced Geodesic Active Contours (TEGAC), is demonstrated through ex vivo intracardiac experiments to offer superior performance compared to conventional active contours.
Low–Density Lipoprotein Removal Methods by Membranes and Future Perspectives

: Since the application by Thompson et al. in 1975 of plasma exchange for the treatment of 2 patients with familial hyperlipidemia, plasma purification techniques for selective low–density lipoprotein (LDL) removal (i.e., LDL apheresis) have been developed and adopted for the management of this disease. Thermofil–tration is one of the LDL apheresis systems that utilizes membrane techniques developed by Nose and Malchesky's group in 1985. This article reviews its rationale, in vitro studies, animal studies, and clinical investigation. Thermofiltration effectively and selectively removes LDL cholesterol while retaining in the plasma physiologically important macromolecules such as albumin and high–density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Based on the global view of the treatment of atherosclerosis by LDL apheresis, membrane techniques are as effective, safe, and simpler to apply than other methods. Additionally, these methods are effective for the removal of lipoprotein (a) and fibrinogen; thus, they can address the needs in these application areas.
Changing the present legal prohibitions on assisted suicide is a bad idea

This article argues that although there may exist morally valid reasons to justify assisted suicide in some cases, establishing state or national policies legalizing assisted suicide is morally unjustified. Five arguments are examined that support the position against legalization: consequentialist arguments, arguments about who could legitimately choose assisted suicide and when it could be chosen, the incompatability of assisted suicide policy and authentic self-determination; the probable lack of efficacy of assisted suicide in a managed care environment, and the effects of assisted suicide on the profession and practice of nursing. The article ends with a discussion of alternatives to assisted suicide legislation that might accomplish in large part what is sought by such legislation.
Biological destruction of CCI4: II. Kinetic modeling

A denitrifying consortium capable of transforming carbon tetrachloride (CCI(4)) was cultured from an aquifer soil sample from the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site in southeastern Washington State. A mathematical description of the kinetics of CCI(4) destruction by this microbial consortium is presented, and its prediction are compared to experimental data. The model successfully predicted the concentrations of acetate, nitrate, nitrite, biomass, and CCI(4) for all 12 experiments (a total of 60 concentration-vs.-time data sets). In addition, no statistically significant interactions exist between parameter values and individual test conditions. The ability of the model to predict the results of a treatability test for CCI(4) degradation in Hanford groundwater, without adjusting any model parameters, is discussed. (c) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Vapor pressure studies of pyridine, picolines and 2,6-lutidine in isooctane

The vapor pressures of pyridine, 2-, 3- and 4-picoline and 2,6-lutidine have been determined as a function of their concentration in isooctane at 25°C by gas chromatographic analysis of the head-space over their solutions. Henry's law constants were determined and the vapor pressure data were treated in terms of various self-association models. The apparent self-association of the pyridine bases can be rationalized as resulting from intermolecular interactions with both the nitrogen lone pair of electrons and with the π-electrons.
Three-dimensional imaging of DNA fragments during electrophoresis using a confocal detector.

We have measured the three-dimensional distribution of DNA fragments within an electrophoretic band confined by a glass microchannel. The measurements were made using a confocal microscope and a photon-counting photo-multiplier detector. A DNA sequencing standard was loaded into glass micro-channel plates containing polyacrylamide gel. The measurements were made by scanning the plates in three dimensions using a mechanical stage under computer control, while electrophoresis was taking place. We found that the distribution of DNA was the same for all the bands measured in the sequencing ladder with an approximate Gaussian distribution along all three axes. These measurements are important to understand what physical forces shape electrophoretic bands confined by a channel and they also aid in the design of high throughput DNA sequencers.
Eighteen-Month Follow-Up Data on a Treatment Program for Homeless Substance Abusing Mothers

In response to the dearth of data on substance abuse treatment among homeless mothers, this study breaks new ground in presenting 18-month follow-up data on 149 homeless mothers with young children enlisted in a substance abuse treatment program. The effects of residential compared to nonresidential services were evaluated over the follow-up period. Although dropout rates were high, predictors of dropout were identified, and the residential had a lower dropout rate compared to the nonresidential comparison group. Members of both residential and nonresidential groups evidenced improvement in alcohol and drug problems and in housing stability, regardless of the amount of time they spent in the program. This project demonstrated that homeless mothers can be more successfully engaged in substance abuse programs with provisions of residential placement in addition to participation in a therapeutic community. Future interventions can take advantage of this knowledge in designing more effective programs.
PP152. Eclampsia concurrent with HELLP syndrome – A sixteen-year clinical experience in an academic medical center

Introduction Hypertensive disorders represent the most common complication among pregnant women, affecting 6–8% of gestations in the United States [1]. In Asia, There are many pregnant women die of eclampsia and severe preeclampsia. And 99% of these deaths occur in low income countries [2]. Eclampsia is defined as the occurrence of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia that cannot be attributed to other causes. HELLP syndrome represents a severe form of preeclampsia/eclampsia characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets [3]. The reported incidence of HELLP syndrome in association with eclampsia ranges from 10.8% to 32.1%. [4, 5] And the incidence of eclampsia in association with HELLP syndrome ranges from 6% to 52% [6,7]. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of eclampsia concurrent with HELLP syndrome and maternal complications during the study period. Methods We retrospectively collected the data from the log book of our birth center between January 1994 and December 2010. There were 22 eclampsia patients concurrent with HELLP syndrome as compared with 46 patients with eclampsia and without HELLP syndrome. We analyzed the characteristics of 22 patients concurrent with HELLP syndrome and investigated the maternal complications, as well as fetal prognosis of them. Fisher exact test and Chi-square test were used in categorized variables. The univariate analysis of neonatal outcome was used to calculate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results The significant maternal outcome variables in patient with eclampsia concurrent with HELLP syndrome included the following: disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (OR, 9.214, 95% confidence interval, 2.19–38.86, p = 0.002); hypoxic encephalopathy (OR,3.467, 95% confidence interval, 1.03–11.68, p = 0.045) multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)( OR, 30.83, 95% confidence interval, 7.35–129.37, p Conclusion The complexity of maternal complications was associated with eclampsia patient concurrent with HELLP syndrome.
Myths and meanings of bowling alone

Gary Alan Fine, Tim Hallett, and Michael Sauder O ne of the academic and policy sensations of the last few years was the publication in 2000 of Robert Putnam's Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community to rapturous applause. Basing the book on his earlier, influential essay with the same title in the Journal of Democracy, Putnam sought to demonstrate the pernicious effects of the decline of social capital in American society, and argued that Americans spent less time in social organizations and in informal gatherings than they once did. The decline in communal organizations was suggested to affect society in deleterious ways. Putnam's most dramatic empirical example was the decline of bowling leagues. He writes that "Whether or not bowling beats balloting in the eyes of most Americans, bowling teams illustrate yet another vanishing form of social capital." According to Putnam, "league bowling, by requiring regular participation with a diverse set of acquaintances, represented a form of sustained social capital that is not matched by the occasional pickup game" (113). Bowling proved an inspired metaphor. The volume received at least some of its extravagant attention because of its memorable title, Bowling Alone. The implicit argument is that people spend more time by themselves, isolated and alienated. Putnam's argument and title touched a primal fear of students of American life: that the tight-knit associational life that Alexis De Tocqueville described so profoundly in 1835 was falling apart. The power of a nostalgic Golden Age is real-an age before renewed immigration, television, dual-careers families, secularism and all the rest. Essays such as that of David Riesman, depicting the "lonely crowd," a half-century before Putnam, spoke to similar nostalgic concerns at that moment of history. The mythic bonds of American community were under siege, a fear that Putnam nicely tapped. Even if social scientists can provide other evidence of a tightening of community, the concerns, both real and imagined, resonate in the American soul. For his crucial example Putnam focused on the demise of league bowling, but the title etched the image of the solitary kegler in the mind of the reader. The cover illustration contributes to this claim by picturing a single pensive man standing in shadow at a bowling lane. The image of a solitary bowler spread throughout the media:
Rate of Acclimation of Juvenile Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, to High Temperatures

Abstract Experiments were designed to determine the rate of temperature acclimation, measured in terms of change in heat resistance, when fish were changed between three temperatures—26.0, 30.0, and 34.0 C. Approximately 2300 juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), were tested. Fish acclimated to each of the three temperatures were exposed to each of the other two temperatures. The length of time required to acclimate to the new temperature was then monitored by testing samples of fish at 0, 1, 3, 9 hours, and then daily after the temperature change was made. Fish were tested at three lethal temperatures of 38.5, 39.0, and 40.0 C. Changes in average resistance time were used to determine progress toward acclimation. Fish changed from lower to higher temperatures were nearly reacclimated in 1 to 3 days. However, fish changed from higher to lower temperatures required from 4 to 14 days to approach acclimation to the new temperature. In both changes, complete reacclimation required at lea...
Effect of levamisole on parenteral vaccines for swine dysentery.

Abstract Leucocyte migration-inhibition and humoral antibody responses (HAR) were demonstrated in swine immunized with particulate or soluble antigen of Treponema hyodysenteriae. Levamisole (at the recommended deworming level), given simultaneously with particulate vaccine did not significantly (P > 0·05) enhance nor suppress the leucocyte migration-inhibition response. However, an enhancing leucocyte migration-inhibition of the drug was seen in pigs given soluble vaccine in combination with levamisole compared with those receiving soluble antigen alone. Levamisole generally suppressed the HAR throughout the immunization schedule of pigs given soluble or particulate vaccine. There was no significant suppression (P > 0·05) of clinical signs of swine dysentery (SD) in animals given particulate vaccine nor in those receiving this vaccine plus levamisole. However, pigs receiving soluble vaccine plus levamisole had fewer clinical signs of SD as well as significantly (P 0·05) delayed when compared to the unvaccinated swine.
Regulation of Lymphocyte Trafficking by CXC Chemokine Receptor 3 during Septic Shock

Rationale: Lymphocytes have been shown to facilitate systemic inflammation and physiologic dysfunction in experimental models of severe sepsis. Our previous studies show that natural killer (NK) cells migrate into the peritoneal cavity during intraabdominal sepsis, but the trafficking of NKT and T lymphocytes has not been determined. The factors that regulate lymphocyte trafficking during sepsis are currently unknown.Objectives: To ascertain the importance of CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) as a regulator of lymphocyte trafficking during sepsis and determine the contribution of CXCR3-mediated lymphocyte trafficking to the pathogenesis of septic shock.Methods: Lymphocyte trafficking was evaluated in control and CXCR3-deficient mice using flow cytometry during sepsis caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Survival, core temperature, cytokine production, and bacterial clearance were measured as pathobiological endpoints.Measurements and Main Results: This study shows that concentrations of the CXCR3 l...
Toward Structured Public Involvement: Justice, Geography and Collaborative Geospatial/Geovisual Decision Support Systems

This article addresses how collaborative geospatial/geovisual decision support systems (C-GDSS) can achieve greater measures of spatial justice within an institutional, democratic framework for public goods allocation. Current public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS) and participatory geographic information science (P-GIS) literature identifies issues of scale and consensus as problematic for such systems. C-GDSS deployments aimed at achieving spatial justice through small-scale, consensual processes fail when scaled to large processes involving heterogeneous groups where consensus is not realistically achievable. For this case study, we identify a significant deficit in the quality of public involvement in transportation infrastructure (TI) planning and design in the United States. We call this the Arnstein Gap. This exists in part because professionals lack confidence that they can integrate community cultural values, despite C-GDSS use, and have come to fear public engagement. To clo...
Numerical Investigation of Opposing Dual Sided Microscale Laser Shock Peening

Laser shock peening (LSP) is an innovative process which imparts compressive residual stresses in the processed surface of metallic parts to significantly improve fatigue life and fatigue strength of this part. In opposing dual sided LSP, the workpiece can be simultaneously irradiated or irradiated with different time lags to create different surface residual stress patterns by virtue of the interaction between the opposing shock waves. In this work, a finite element model, in which the hydrodynamic behavior of the material and the deviatoric behavior including work hardening and strain rate effects were considered was applied to predict residual stress distributions in the processed surface induced under various conditions of the opposing dual sided micro scale laser shock peening. Thus the shock waves from each surface will interact in different ways through the thickness resulting in more complex residual stress profiles. Additionally, when treating a thin section, opposing dual sided peening is expected to avoid harmful effects such as spalling and fracture because the pressures on the opposite surfaces of the target balance one another and prohibit excessive deformation of the target. In order to better understand the wave-wave interactions under different conditions, the residual stress profiles corresponding to various workpiece thicknesses and various irradiation times were evaluated.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
New directions for mental health promotion

Mental health promotion and primary prevention services should be delivered in the societal institutions that are involved with the normal process of living.
Using Student Beliefs About Language Learning and Teaching in the Foreign Language Methods Course

ABSTRACT Prospective foreign language teachers enter the methods class with many preconceived ideas about how languages are learned and how they should be taught. These beliefs can directly interfere with their understanding of and receptivity to the information and techniques presented in the methods class. This paper describes two instruments for eliciting student beliefs about language learning and teaching, the Foreign Language Survey (FLAS) and the Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory (BALLI), and reports on typical responses of methods students to the BALLI. The discussion of the instruments and the student responses illustrate the kinds of beliefs students may hold which can inhibit their learning. It is suggested that a systematic assessment of student beliefs would increase student learning and satisfaction in the foreign language methods class.
Physical characterization of ribosomes from purified mitochondria of yeast

Abstract Ribosomes from the cytoplasm sedimented in sucrose gradients as 80S monomers whereas mitochondrial ribosomes were 75S. Electrophoretic mobilities of the RNA's purified from isolated ribosomes were calculated to show that cytoplasmic molecules had molecular weights of 1.40 × 106 and 0.77 × 106 daltons, and mitochondrial ribosomal RNA's were 1.25 × 106 and 0.64 × 106 daltons. These RNA's were 26S and 19S for cytoplasmic particles and 25S and 17S for mitochondrial ribosomes, when compared against 23S and 16S E. coli RNA's as standards. Mitochondrial polysomes were identified on the bases of sedimentation profiles, dissociation to monomers after brief exposure to RNase, and electron micrographs of thin-sections of mitochondria and cells.
Retardation and facilitation of matching acquisition by differential outcomes

Pigeons were trained on many-to-one matching-to-sample with food and no-food outcomes that were either differential or nondifferential with respect to the sample stimuli. In the differential condition, outcomes were correlated with the correct comparison-alternatives-for half of the subjects, and were uncorrelated with those alternatives for the remaining subjects. Relative to non-differential training, matching acquisition was facilitated in the correlated condition but retarded in the uncorrelated condition. These results clearly demonstrate that differential outcomes do not affect conditional discrimination learning merely by enhancing the discriminability or distinctiveness of the samples with which they are associated. Rather, they apparently give rise to another discriminative cue (viz., an outcome expectancy), which can either enhance or interfere with performance, depending on its predictive validity.
Immunoaffinity purification of human choline acetyltransferase: comparison of the brain and placental enzymes.

: A rapid and efficient immunoaffinity purification procedure has been developed for human placental choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Using this procedure, human placental ChAT was purified to homogeneity with high recovery of enzyme activity (50–60%). Purified ChAT was used to raise a monospecific anti-human ChAT polyclonal antibody in rabbits. A comparison of the physical properties of ChAT was made between the enzymes purified from human brain and human placenta. Only one form of the enzyme exists in either tissue, having identical molecular weights of 68,000 and a single apparent pI of 8.1. A more detailed comparison of the two enzymes using peptide mapping and epitope mapping indicates identity between the brain and placental enzymes.
Rapid Progression of Native Renal Artery Fibromuscular Dysplasia Following Kidney Donation

Fibromuscular dysplasia is the second commonest anatomical abnormality apart from multiple renal arteries in the potential live donors. Pretransplant evaluation of the donors may include an angiography to evaluate the renal arteries, and failure to recognize renal arterial stenosis, particularly fibromuscular dysplasia, by noninvasive methods may eventually lead to hypertension and ischemic renal failure. We report a case of fibromuscular dysplasia that was undetected by computed tomographic angiography prior to donation. One year after kidney donation, it rapidly progressed to severe symptomatic stenosis with hypertension and acute renal failure. Following renal artery angioplasty, her blood pressure normalized over a period of 2 weeks without any need for antihypertensive medications and the serum creatinine returned to her baseline. The acceptability of renal donors with fibromuscular dysplasia depends on the age, race and the availability of the other suitable donors. Mild fibromuscular dysplasia in a normotensive potential renal donor cannot be considered a benign condition. Such donors need regular follow-up postdonation for timely detection and treatment.
Validation of active tracking laser beam propagation and target signature predictions

In developing High Energy Laser (HEL) weapons, it is necessary to understand the absolute radiometry associated with propagating the beam to the target. This is important for setting filter attenuation levels for the tracker, laser beacons, and battle damage assessment sensors, along with more traditional calculations of laser fluence on the target. In this paper, we will present the theory and experimental validation for laser beams propagating over large distances through atmospheric turbulence. We conducted several experiments at Starfire Optical Range (SOR) in Albuquerque during 1997 to prove that we can accurately predict the uplink irradiance, the target signature, and the power levels or signal received from laser propagation. Specifically, using the Lageos satellite, we were able to predict the absolute signal to within 20% of the measured values. Subsequent experiments verify that the models we developed continue to accurately predict the absolute radiometry associated with laser beam propagation. The results should be useful for laser sensing, modeling and simulation, and exploitation and target recognition.
Kinetic demixing and decomposition of multicomponent oxides due to a nonhydrostatic stress

Abstract Kinetic demixing of a solid solution oxide should occur during deformation if the cations have different mobilities and if the rate of stress-directed diffusion is not limited by oxygen diffusion. A theoretical treatment of kinetic demixing in mixed oxides due to a nonhydrostatic stress has been developed. Both the magnitude of the steady-state composition difference and the time constant which characterizes the transient behavior have been determined. Kinetic decomposition of a stoichiometric, ternary oxide can occur when the transport rates of the constituent oxides are different, provided that the magnitude of the driving force exceeds a certain limit. The critical differential stress for kinetic decomposition is a function of the free energy of formation of the compound and the transport coefficients of the species. The growth rate of the constituent oxide phase has also been evaluated.
Solid organ transplants in HIV-infected patients

There is a growing need for kidney and liver transplants in persons living with HIV. Fortunately, with the significant advances in antiretroviral therapy and management of opportunistic infections, HIV infection is no longer an absolute contraindication for solid organ transplantation. Data from several large prospective multi-center cohort studies have shown that solid organ transplantation in carefully selected HIV-infected individuals is safe. However, significant challenges have been identified including prevention of acute rejection, management of drug-drug interactions and treatment of recurrent viral hepatitis. This article reviews the selection criteria, outcomes, and special management considerations for HIV-infected patients undergoing liver or kidney transplantation.
Theoretical Analysis of Piston-Ring Lubrication Part I—Fully Flooded Lubrication

A one-dimensional analysis for lubrication between the piston ring and cylinder wall has been developed. A fully flooded inlet condition and axisymmetric geometry are considered. The piston ring is treated as a reciprocating, dynamically-loaded bearing with combined sliding and squeeze motion. A system of two nonlinear differential equations is used to model the lubrication including the Reynolds cavitation boundary condition. A numerical procedure is then developed to obtain the cyclic variations of film thickness, frictional force, power loss, and oil flow across the ring. Results are presented for a typical automotive engine. The effects of ring profile, ring tension, and engine speed are examined. It is shown that this analysis can be used to study the influence of ring design parameters in order to improve the design of the ring pack in reciprocating engines.
Immunofluorescent Detection of Actin and Myosin in Healing Gingival Epithelium

Indirect immunofluorescent labeling shows a sequential increase in detectable epithelial cell actin and myosin during wound repair migration and maturation. While actin shows a substantial increase between pre-wound and migration levels, the relative detectable myosin is omnipresent at apparently high levels, and it increases only slightly during active migration.
Edge Location to Subpixel Values in Digital Imagery

A new method for locating edges in digital data to subpixel values and which is invariant to additive and multiplicative changes in the data is presented. For one-dimensional edge patterns an ideal edge is fit to the data by matching moments. It is shown that the edge location is related to the so-called ``Christoffel numbers.'' Also presented is the study of the effect of additive noise on edge location. The method is extended to include two-dimensional edge patterns where a line equation is derived to locate an edge. This in turn is compared with the standard Hueckel edge operator. An application of the new edge operator as an edge detector is also provided and is compared with Sobel and Hueckel edge detectors in presence and absence of noise.
Electronic interactions in tertiary oligophenylureas.

The syntheses, structures, and spectroscopy of a series of oligomeric tertiary oligophenylureas possessing one to five phenyl rings are reported. A convergent synthetic method employing tertiary monoamine and diamine building blocks is employed. NMR and molecular modeling are indicative of folded structures for all of the oligophenylureas in which adjacent phenyl rings have a splayed face-to-face geometry. NMR chemical shifts, absorption and emission maxima, and electrochemical oxidation potentials are all dependent upon the number of phenyl rings. The addition of a first inner phenyl has a pronounced effect on the chemical shifts, while a second and third inner phenyl have diminished effects. The oxidation potentials of the oligophenylureas display an abrupt decrease upon the addition of the second inner phenyl. The absorption and emission spectra are relatively insensitive to the addition of one to three inner phenyl rings. The electronic structures of the oligophenylureas possessing one to eight rings ...
The determination of the Si and Ge content in SiGe alloy by gamma ray absorption spectroscopy

γ-Ray absorption spectroscopy has been used to accurately determine the Si and Ge content in SiGe alloys. This technique provides a fast, accurate, and non-destructive method for determining concentrations of components in binary systems.
Racial Segregation and Disparities in Health Care Delivery: Conceptual Model and Empirical Assessment

OBJECTIVE: This study examines two dimensions of racial segregation across hospitals, using a disease for which substantial disparities have been documented. DATA SOURCES: Black (n=32,289) and white (n=244,042) patients 67 years and older admitted for acute myocardial infarction during 2004-2005 in 105 hospital markets were identified from Medicare data. Two measures of segregation were calculated: Dissimilarity (i.e., dissimilar distribution by race across hospitals), and Isolation (i.e., racial isolation within hospitals). For each measure, markets were categorized as having low, medium, or high segregation. STUDY DESIGN: The relationship of hospital segregation to residential segregation and other market characteristics was evaluated. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate disparities in the use of revascularization within 90 days by segregation level. RESULTS: Agreement of segregation category based on Dissimilarity and Isolation was poor (kappa=0.12), and the relationship of disparities in revascularization to segregation differed by measure. The hazard of revascularization for black relative to white patients was lowest (i.e., greatest disparity) in markets with low Dissimilarity, but it was unrelated to Isolation. CONCLUSIONS: Significant racial segregation across hospitals exists in many U.S. markets, although the magnitude and relationship to disparities depends on definition. Dissimilar distribution of race across hospitals may reflect divergent cultural preferences, social norms, and patient assessments of provider cultural competence, which ultimately impact utilization.
A Preliminary Examination of African American and Caucasian Hospitality Management Student Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Diversity Issues

Diversity or multiculturalism is a concept that includes words such as acceptance and respect. A movement toward diversity should include the examination of differences in a safe, cultivating, and ...
Multi-physics coupling of Einstein and hydrodynamics evolution: a case study of the Einstein toolkit

Cactus is a software framework for high-performance computing which sees widespread use in the numerical relativity community and other fields. The Einstein Toolkit is a set of Cactus components providing infrastructure and basic functionality for, and enabling interoperability between, different general relativistic applications codes.In particular, the Einstein Toolkit provides an efficient coupling mechanism between spacetime (Einstein) and relativistic hydrodynamics (Euler) evolution components. This provides coupling in the volume, where both Einstein and Euler equations are integrated simultaneously everywhere in the domain on co-located grids. Several independent but interoperable Einstein and hydrodynamics codes have been built on this toolkit by different research groups over the past decade.Below we introduce the Einstein Toolkit and describe the coupling mechanism. We discuss certain trade-offs regarding simplicity, continuity with historical coincidence, performance, and memory consumption. We briefly mention the process which lead to the current design and outline future plans. Where appropriate, we draw parallels between solving the Einstein and the Maxwell (electrodynamics) equations, in effect outlining a possible design of an equivalent toolkit for coupling the Maxwell and the hydrodynamics equations.