cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microstructure evolution in equiaxed dendritic growth

Microstructure evolution in equiaxed dendritic solidification is investigated through the study of free dendritic growth in a supercooled melt. A detailed measurement of microstructural features (such as side-branch spacings, envelope shape, projection area, and contour length) of freely growing succinonitrile dendrites is performed using images from the microgravity experiment of Glicksman and co-workers. The measurements show that the microstructure evolution of an equiaxed dendrite is divided into two regimes: an initial linear regime and a subsequent non-linear coarsening regime. It is found that unique scaling relations exist between the measured geometry parameters and the primary tip radius or speed for both regimes. The underlying mechanisms involved in dendritic structure evolution are discussed. In addition, using the phase-field method, we perform numerical experiments to investigate the effects of melt convection on equiaxed dendritic growth. The dendrite tip operating state (i.e. the tip velocity and radius) is quantitatively evaluated as a function of the flow velocity and dendrite orientations and compared with Microscopic Solvability Theory. Other structural features (such as the side-branches) of an equiaxed dendrite in the presence of flow are also examined in order to show how convection influences microstructure evolution in equiaxed dendritic growth.
Influence of predators on population development of Phorodon humuli (Homoptera: Aphididae) on hops

Population development of the hop aphid, Phorodon humuli (Schrank), was studied on insecticide-free field-grown hops Humulus lupulus L. in 1992. The influence of predators was assessed using large sleeve cages installed 2 July after aphid immigration ended. Aphid immigration numbers increased geometrically throughout July in cages that excluded predators but increased more slowly and then fell in cages with access by predators. Aphid numbers remained much lower on uncaged plants. Hop cone yields were 97, 381, and 598 g per plant from exclusion-caged, open-caged and uncaged plants, respectively. The main predators were Coccinellidae, Coccinella transversoguttata Faldermann and Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville; Chrysopidae, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), C. rufilabris (Burmeister) and Chrysopa spp.; Hemerobiidae, Hemerobius sp.; Anthocoridae, Orius tristicolor (White); Geocoridae, Geocoris sp.; Nabidae, Nabis sp. Predatory Diptera were scarce as were hymenopterous parasitoids. Hops are dioecious, perennial, climbing plants that are grown on a 6-m trellis. They grow best where day length increases rapidly in the spring (45–51°N or S) and do not grow well where days are <14 h long. The hop cones (female flowers) contain pollen-like, lupulin glands. The commercial value of hops lies in the lupulin glands, which contain resins and oils. The resins are used for bittering beer, and the essential oils contribute to beer flavor.
Factors affecting Internet use in a saturated-access population

Abstract There is a large body of literature that focuses on technology and innovation adoption. Much of that deals with the factors that affect adoption at different stages. Some research deals with early adoption, such as that by Rogers (1995) . Other research looks at innovations as they begin to penetrate the general population, such as Lin’s (1998) study of personal computer use. Across these studies the impact of the factors changes. For example, demographics are better at predicting early adoption but become less important for general adoption. This study looks at factors that affect usage of an innovation when it is available to most of the population. In this case the population was the faculty and staff at Washington State University, where 97% had access to the Internet. Like Lin’s study, the present research used the four scales of adoption factors (resources, need for innovativeness, complexity, advantages), media use, technology clusters, and demographics as predictors. Unlike Lin’s study which predicted PC adoption, this study predicted Internet use. Based on telephone interviews with a random sample of 296 faculty and staff in the Spring of 1998 the major findings were: 1. The four factors found in Lin’s study were replicated, but the strengths differed. 2. Gender and age were significant demographic predictors of use, younger males being heavier users. 3. Those owning more technologies were heavier users. 4. Those more positive on two perceptual factors (viewing the Internet as less complex and seeing more advantages) were heavier users.
Crystallization of trans-1,4-polyisoprene

Crystals of fractionated trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI) were grown from amyl acetate solution at two weight fractions, 5.7 × 10−4 and 0.011; for the lower concentration a precooling followed by heating and then crystallization at temperatures in the 10–32°C range was used, while for the higher concentration this method and direct crystallization at a temperature TC in the 0–32°C range were employed. The precooling method yielded samples crystallized in the α form, while direct crystallization led to formation of β-TPI at low TC and α at higher TC. The value for the DSC endotherm, characteristic of α-form melting, increased with increasing TC, with a shift to lower values with increasing concentration for precooled samples. A β to α transformation was found to occur for synthetic unfractionated TPI when swollen with amyl acetate at 35°C for 17h. Swelling in n-butyl acetate for one day at 25°C or 17 h at 35°C also led to this transformation. From experimental results 74°C is chosen as the temperature at which the α and β forms coexist in the bulk, and this is used to calculate the enthalpy of fusion of β-TPI, yielding a value of 8.6 kJ mol−1.
Introduction to an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification, Terminology, and Usage

International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification [Report No. 7a; editor H. D. Hedberg]: Introduction to an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification, Terminology, and Usage. Boreas, Vol 1, pp. 199–211. Oslo, 1st September, 1972. [Co-published with Lethaia, Vol. 5, pp. 283–295]. The International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification (ISSC), a subcommission of the IUGS Commission on Stratigraphy, has been working for the last 15–20 years towards the preparation of an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification, Terminology, and Usage. The purpose of the Guide is to promote international agreement on principles of stratigraphic classification and to establish internationally acceptable stratigraphic terminology and rules of stratigraphic procedure. The Introduction explains the background of its preparation.
Effects of pharmacological manipulations on basal and newly synthesized levels of GABA, glutamate, aspartate and glut amine in mouse brain cortex

Abstract Concentrations of basal and newly synthesized inhibitory (γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA) and excitatory (glutamate and aspartate) neurotransmitter amino acids and glutamine were determined in mouse brain cortex. Isotopic enrichment following an intravenous infusion of a stable-labeled precursor, [13C6]D-glucose, was used to estimate the newly synthesized amino acid content. Effects of various pharmacological agents (valproate, aminooxyacetic acid, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, N- methyl- d -aspartate , and 2-amino-7-phosphonohepatanoic acid) were evaluated. The effects of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (an inhibitor of glutamate decarboxylase, a GABA-synthesizing enzyme) were restricted to the GABAergic system. On the other hand, N- methyl- d -aspartate (an agonist of a glutamate receptor subtype) was selective for the glutamate-glutamine system, and its effects were prevented by its selective antagonist, 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid. In some cases, divergent effects were observed on basal and new amino acids. This suggested that basal and new amino acids may represent different compartments. The anticonvulsant drug valproate caused an increase in basal but a decrease in newly synthesized GABA. Aminooxyacetic acid caused a dramatic increase in basal GABA without affecting the newly synthesized GABA. This approach may be useful in studying compartmentation and fluxes of neurotransmitters.
Competition on many fronts: A stackelberg signaling equilibrium

An economic agent, the incumbent, is operating in many environments at the same time. These may be locations, markets, or specific activities. He is informed of the particular conditions relevant to each situation. His action in each case is observable by another agent, the entrant, who does not have the private information. Because the incumbent is in operation in many environments simultaneously, the entrant has the ability to discern the exact statistical relationship between the incumbent's action and information, and we assume that he cannot commit not to draw this inference. At each location the entrant must choose one of two actions, which we call “attack” or “no attack”. This paper concerns the interplay between these sets of decisions. We characterize the optimal actions of the incumbent under the assumption that he can commit to his decisions, and thus that he will behave as a Stackelberg leader by manipulating the inferences drawn by the entrant. The solution obtained is compared with and contrasted to the Bayesian perfect equilibria of a game where both players move simultaneously. That game is a more appropriate model of the “no commitment” case. Thus, the value of the possibility of commitment and manipulation of the entrant's beliefs is assessed. Some applications are discussed.
The functions and consensus motifs of nine types of peptide segments that form different types of nucleotide‐binding sites

From an analysis of current data on 16 protein structures with defined nucleotide-binding sites consensus motifs were determined for the peptide segments that form such nucleotide-binding sites. This was done by using the actual residues shown to contact ligands in the different protein structures, plus an additional 50 sequences for various kinases. Three peptide segments are commonly required to form the binding site for ATP or GTP. Binding motif Kinase-1 a is found in almost all sequences examined, and functions in binding the phosphates of the ligand. Variant versions, comparable to Kinase-1 a, are found in a subset of proteins and appear to be related to unique functions of those enzymes. Motif Kinase-2 contains the conserved aspartate that coordinates the metal ion on Mg-ATP. Motif Kinase-3 occurs in at least four versions, and functions in binding the purine base or the pentose. Two protein structures show ATP-binding at a separate regulatory site, formed by the motifs Regulatory-1 and Regulatory-2. Structures for adenylate kinase and guanylate kinase show three different sequence motifs that form the binding site for a nucleoside monophosphate (NMP). NMP-1 and NMP-2 bind to the pentose and phosphate of the bound ligand. NMP-1 is found in almost all the kinases that phosphorylate AMP, CMP, GMP, dTMP, or UMP. NMP-3 a is found in kinases for AMP, GMP, and UMP, while NMP-3b binds only GMP. For the binding of NTPs, three distinct types of nucleotide-binding fold structures have been described. Each structure is associated with a particular function (e.g. transfer of the γ-phosphate, or of the adenylate to an acceptor) and also with a particular spatial arrangement of the three Kinase segments evident in the linear sequence for the protein.
Existence of three scaling regions at large transverse momentum

Abstract A model for large p⊥ production, yielding three different scaling relations in different regions of s and p⊥ is presented. The couplings may be chosen such that 1 s 4 scaling is valid at present energies while at higher energies 1 s 2 scaling should manifest itself.
A systematic review of outcomes of toe-to-thumb transfers for isolated traumatic thumb amputation

Background Toe-to-thumb transfer is an established procedure for reconstruction of traumatic thumb amputations. The four types of toe-to-thumb transfers are the second toe, the great toe, the wrap-around great toe and the trimmed great toe transfers. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature to compare outcomes amongst different methods of toe-to-thumb transfers.
Effects of 2,4-dinitrophenol on the body temperature and cardiopulmonary functions in unanaesthetized rats, Rattus Rattus

Abstract Infusion of 6–12 mg/kg 2,4-dinitrophenol in the awake rat causes cardiovascular and respiratory responses similar to those induced by physical activity. Respiratory rate, tidal volume and minute ventilation rises promptly following DNP infusion indicating that the response to DNP is activated via a reflex loop in respiratory control. On the other hand, heart rate increased gradually as a function of body temperature. The dosages of 6–12 mg/kg DNP are suitable for the awake rat to simulate exercise-induced cardiopulmonary responses.
Nonparametric repeated significance tests for one-way anova with adoptation to multiple comparisons

Abstract Based on two-sample rank order statistics, a repeated significance testing procedure for a multi-sample location problem is considered. The asymptotic distribution theory of the proposed tests is given under the null hypothesis as well as under local alternatives. A Bahadur efficiency result of the repeated significance test relative to the terminal test based solely on the target sample size is presented. In the adaptation of the proposed tests to multiple comparisons, an asymptotically equivalent test statistic in terms of the rank estimators of the location parameters is derived from which the Scheffe method of multiple comparisons can be obtained in a convinient way.
Identifying Instructional Targets for Early Childhood via Authentic Assessment: Alignment of Professional Standards and Practice-Based Evidence

>> Now at middle age, the field of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and its professionals have demonstrated a unique capacity to develop their own practice-based evidence (PBE) and professional standards to forge solutions to challenging professional practice dilemmas. This innovative capacity is no more evident than in designing and implementing individualized linkages among assessment/instruction/progress evaluation for all children, particularly those with delays and disabilities. In this article, the authors advocate for the overarching purpose of assessment in ECI—to identify instructional targets and to plan beneficial programs for young children with special needs in inclusive, natural environments. The authors highlight major developments that have changed their professional practices since the passage of PL 99-457; PBE that supports and promotes these practices and the linkage among assessment, instruction, and progress evaluation; and critical issues for future policy, practice, and research.
Psychosocial stress-induced hypertension results from in vivo expression of long-term potentiation in rat sympathetic ganglia

Long-term potentiation in sympathetic ganglia (gLTP) is an activity-dependent unique form of synaptic plasticity in that it is serotonin-dependent and can be completely inhibited by 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Long lasting enhancement of the basal tone of ganglionic transmission seen with gLTP results in a sustained increase in peripheral resistance that leads to elevated blood pressure. We examined the possibility that, in sympathetic ganglia, stress-induced gLTP may be responsible for the expression of stress hypertension. Chronic treatment of male and female Wistar rats with a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, tropisetron (ICS; 5 mg/kg/day) or ondansetron (0.5 mg/kg/day), prevented or reversed psychosocial stress-induced increases in blood pressure in stressed rats with no significant effect on blood pressure of unstressed control rats. Pharmacological and electrophysiological evidence that supports the presence of gLTP in ganglia isolated from stressed hypertensive rats includes inhibition of basal synaptic transmission by 5-HT3 antagonists, failure to induce gLTP with repetitive stimulation indicating occlusion of gLTP due to saturation and a left hand shift of the input/output curve. We suggest that a sustained stress-induced increase in central sympathetic efferent impulses to ganglia may provide the repeated high frequency presynaptic activity required to induce gLTP in sympathetic ganglia, thereby enhancing sympathetic tone to blood vessels resulting in hypertension.
Fiber optic lever displacement transducer.

Intrinsic performance limits of noncontacting fiber lever displacement measuring systems are quantitatively described. Generalized relationships linking displacement detection limit, frequency response, dynamic range, linearity, and working distance to fiber diameter, illumination irradiance and coupling angle, photo-detector characteristics, and reflection and transmission losses were obtained by analysis and confirmed by measurement. Both procedures showed performance limits to be functions of the square root of the flux density coupled into the target-illuminating fiber(s) by the electroluminescent source. Displacement detection and bandwidth limits achievable with tungsten or LED sources were in the 2 × 10−11 to 2×10-12m/Hz and MHz, range respectively. A basis for optimizing levers for different applications and determination of intrinsic performance limits is provided.
National surveillance of AIDS in health care workers.

Information obtained for all persons with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) reported to the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, includes a question about employment in a health care or clinical laboratory setting. As of May 1, 1986, a total of 922 (5.5%) of 16 748 adults with AIDS reported employment in such settings. Ninety-five percent of these health care workers belonged to recognized high-risk groups for AIDS; the proportion with "no identified risk" has not increased with time. All AIDS patients (including health care workers) who do not belong to high-risk groups are referred for further investigation. Of 88 health care workers initially reported with no identified risk, ten were from countries where heterosexual transmission is believed to play a major role; additional information was unobtainable or incomplete for 17 individuals. Of 61 persons on whom interviews or other follow-up information was obtained, 44 (73%) were reclassified. Specific occupational exposures that could be implicated as the source of human immunodeficiency virus infection were not identified for any health care workers with AIDS. A review of surveillance data supports other studies indicating that the risk of human immunodeficiency virus transmission in the occupational setting is low. ( JAMA 1986;256:3231-3234)
Factors and common conditions associated with adolescent dietary supplement use: an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Little is known about the prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) use in American adolescents. We conducted this study to analyze the prevalence of DS use and factors associated with this use in a national population-based sample. We used data from the 1999 – 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) for adolescents age 11 to 19. Using weighted logistic regression, we identified demographic and clinical factors associated with the use of any DS, vitamins or minerals, herbs and other DS. Among the 5,306 responses representing approximately 36 million Americans 11–19 years old, 27% reported use of one or more DS in the prior month. The most commonly used DS were: multivitamins (16%) and vitamin C (6%). In the multivariable analysis, African American [adjusted odds ratio 0.40 (0.31–0.50) 95% CI] and Mexican American [0.55 (0.44–0.69)] adolescents were less likely to use DS compared with non-Hispanic whites. DS use was more common in those who used prescription medications [1.37 (1.10–1.72)] and among those who had a diagnosis of chronic headaches [1.25 (1.04–1.50)]. DS use was less common among those reporting fair or poor health status [0.59 (0.40–0.88)]. Twenty seven percent of American adolescents use DS. DS use is higher among teens that use prescription medications; physicians and pharmacists should be aware of this, ask patients, and check for potential interactions.
Impulse pattern generation in a crayfish abdominal postural motoneuron

1. The largest crayfish tonic flexor motoneuron, f6, exhibits a patterned discharge in the form of repetitive bursts. The mechanism of burst production was examined using intracellular and extracellular recording and stimulation of identified tonic flexor motoneurons in the third or fourth abdominal ganglia. 2. Depolarizing currents (over a restricted range) injected into the somata or neuropilar processes of f6 result in the clustered discharge characteristic of ‘command’ or sensory induced activation (Fig. 4). 3. Both driven and spontaneous bursts in the motoneuron are associated with unpatterned synaptic activity (Fig. 5, 6, 7). 4. The frequency-current (f-I) relationship reveals no increase in slope or average sensitivity over the range of injected currents which give rise to bursting (Fig. 5). 5. Impulses generated during a burst, as seen in neuropilar impalements, are associated with a depolarizing afterpotential (DAP). The DAP appears to arise from a passive invasion of dendritic membrane by the preceding impulse (Figs. 7, 8). 6. The time course of the DAP is closely paralleled by an increase in excitability of the spike initiation zone following a singlet action potential. The excitability cycle following a rhythmic impulse is a good predictor of the ‘preferred’ intradoublet (intraburst) intervals (Fig. 9A-C). 7. Each burst terminates with a prominent postburst hyperpolarization (PBH) (Fig. 10).
Solution-processed graphene/MnO2 nanostructured textiles for high-performance electrochemical capacitors.

Large scale energy storage system with low cost, high power, and long cycle life is crucial for addressing the energy problem when connected with renewable energy production. To realize grid-scale applications of the energy storage devices, there remain several key issues including the development of low-cost, high-performance materials that are environmentally friendly and compatible with low-temperature and large-scale processing. In this report, we demonstrate that solution-exfoliated graphene nanosheets (∼5 nm thickness) can be conformably coated from solution on three-dimensional, porous textiles support structures for high loading of active electrode materials and to facilitate the access of electrolytes to those materials. With further controlled electrodeposition of pseudocapacitive MnO2 nanomaterials, the hybrid graphene/MnO2-based textile yields high-capacitance performance with specific capacitance up to 315 F/g achieved. Moreover, we have successfully fabricated asymmetric electrochemical capa...
Richard Eberhart's poems on aging

Abstract Unlike many contemporary writers, the poet Richard Eberhart (1904-) depicts the elderly as having wisdom according to Erikson 's definition, that is, as able to overcome stagnation and despair with generativity and integrity. Eberhart is worthy of attention because of his stature as a winner of prestigious prizes in poetry and because he writes about his own aging in his seventies and eighties. His poems on the subject of aging are many and varied, indicating his concern with the subject and his willingness to trace its dynamics.
The relation of surface and volume to so-called physiological gradients in planaria.

Abstract The uptake and incorporation of 14C-labeled amino acids into Dugesia dorotocephala have been studied in relation to the regional surface and volume of the animal. The absolute amounts of amino acids entering and/or incorporated are predictable by a power function of the surface-to-volume ratio. The specific activities of the labeled protein fractions are consistent with an axial gradient of protein synthesis. The data do not support differential permeability as a basis for the axial metabolic gradient, but point to a physiological basis rather than a simple physical relation to the environment.
Modelling the fate of mirex and lindane in Lake Ontario, off the Niagara river mouth

Abstract A seasonally averaged (June–November) fate model ( toxfate ) of organic contaminants was used to assess the relative importance of transport, degradation and volatization processes in the Niagara River and in Lake Ontario near the river mouth. The model predicts concentrations in several compartments, including suspended sediments, water, plankton, and fish. Two contaminants were modelled, Mirex and α-hexachlorocyclohexane (Lindane). Simulations show that the largest amount of contaminants is usually in the water fraction. About 70% of Mirex is in the water at the mouth of the Niagara River, compared with 99% for Lindane. For these two contaminants, the processes of degradation and volatilization are two to three orders of magnitude slower than the rate of transport through the river and the plume. In the water, the most important process is a change of phase, from the dissolved to the adsorbed state. This change of state is mostly relevant for strongly hydrophobic compounds like Mirex, and less so for Lindane. Simulations were performed for a 40-day period during which fish concentrations did not reach equilibrium with Mirex, but they did with Lindane. Spatial distributions of these contaminants were also predicted and compared with available data.
Biopolymers and the fellowship of DNA rings.

This article presents a brief account of the historical backdrop of the study of interlocked DNA rings (DNA catenanes), their formation in cells, and the importance of resolving the component rings of an intracellular DNA catenane if they are to be properly partitioned into a pair of progeny cells. In humans, for example, aberrant segregation of intertwined chromosomes is a major cause of birth defects, as well as termination of pregnancy in utero. Some yet unresolved issues of DNA catenation, including plausible structural and/or functional roles of DNA interlacing in chromosomes, are briefly mentioned. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 916–922, 2013.
Site specificity of DSP-PP cleavage by BMP1.

Bone morphogenic protein 1 (BMP1), a metalloproteinase, is known to cleave a wide variety of extracellular matrix proteins, suggesting that a consensus substrate cleavage amino acid sequence might exist. However, while such a consensus sequence has been proposed based on P4 to P4′ (i.e., the four amino acids flanking either side of the BMP1 cleavage site; P4P3P2P1|P1′P2′P3′P4′) sequence homologies between two BMP1 substrates, dentin matrix protein 1 and dentin sialoprotein phosphophoryn (DSP-PP) (i.e., xMQx | DDP), no direct testing has so far been attempted. Using an Sf9 cell expression system, we have been able to produce large amounts of uncleaved DSP-PP,. Point mutations introduced into this recombinant DSP-PP were then tested for their affects on DSP-PP cleavage by either Sf9 endogenous tolloid-related protein 1 (TLR-1) or by its human homolog, BMP1. Here we have measured DSP-PP cleavage efficiencies after modifications based on P4-P4′ sequence comparisons with dentin matrix protein 1, as well as for prolysyl oxidase and chordin, two other BMP1 substrates. Our results demonstrate that any mutations within or outside of the DSP-PP P4 to P4′ cleavage site can block, impair or accelerate DSP-PP cleavage, and suggest that its BMP1 cleavage site is highly conserved in order to regulate its cleavage efficiency, possibly with additional assistance from its conserved exosites. Thus, BMP1 cleavage cannot be based on a consensus substrate cleavage site.
MRI manifestations of bowler's thumb.

Bowler’s thumb is a rare perineural fibrosis involving the ulnar digital nerve of the thumb. Affected patients present with pain, neuropathy, and mass lesion. The condition is caused by chronic repetitive impaction of the ulnar soft tissues of the thumb against the thumbhole of a bowling ball. In our case, MRI showed decreased signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images surrounding an enlarged ulnar digital nerve of the thumb. The findings can be confused with giant-cell tumor of the tendon sheath or peripheral-nerve-sheath tumor.
Candidate gene polymorphisms (BoIFNG, TLR4, SLC11A1) as risk factors for paratuberculosis infection in cattle

Abstract Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) imposes a significant problem to the world dairy and beef industries and today is considered a potential zoonosis. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and is characterized by progressive weight loss and profuse diarrhoea. Susceptibility to infection is suspected to have a genetic component, and moderated values for heritability of infection have been reported. Interferon gamma is an inducible cytokine with a crucial role in the innate host response to intracellular bacteria. Toll-like receptors are trans-membrane structures responsible for coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses. The solute carrier family 11 member 1 ( SLC11A1 , formerly NRAMP1 ) gene plays an important role in innate immunity, preventing bacterial growth in macrophages during the initial stages of infection. The objective of this candidate gene case–control study was to characterize the distribution of polymorphisms in three candidate genes related to the immune function; interferon gamma ( BoIFNG ), toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR4 ), and SLC11A1 genes and to test their role as potential risk factors for paratuberculosis infection in cattle. The statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences in allelic frequencies between cases and controls for BoIFNG -SNP 1 2781 and SLC11A1 microsatellites, indicating a significant association between infection and variant alleles. In the analysis of genotypes, a significant association was also found between infection status and BoIFNG -SNP 1 2781 and SLC11A1-275-279-281 microsatellites. However, when variables such as breed and age were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, a tendency toward statistical significance for the effect of polymorphisms in the odds of infection was only found for alleles SLC11A1-275 and 279 .
Entity identification for heterogeneous database integration: a multiple classifier system approach and empirical evaluation

Entity identification, i.e., detecting semantically corresponding records from heterogeneous data sources, is a critical step in integrating the data sources. The objective of this research is to develop and evaluate a novel multiple classifier system approach that improves entity identification accuracy. We apply various classification techniques drawn from statistical pattern recognition, machine learning, and artificial neural networks to determine whether two records from different data sources represent the same real-world entity. We further employ a variety of ways to combine multiple classifiers for improved classification accuracy. In this paper, we report on some promising empirical results that demonstrate performance improvement by combining multiple classifiers.
What's new in pancreatic cancer treatment?

Pancreatic cancer represents a major challenge to oncologists because of its high chemoresistant nature and dismal outcomes. Conventional therapy for advanced disease relied for a long time on palliative 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy, but with unsatisfactory results. The introduction of the novel antimetabolite gemcitabine provides new optimism for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, as multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the superiority of gemcitabine over 5-FU and other agents for these patients. The benefits of gemcitabine over conventional therapies include improved response rate and enhanced survival, as well as improvement in disease-related symptoms and quality of life in these patients. With these data, gemcitabine is widely accepted worldwide as the therapy of choice by many oncologists for advanced pancreatic cancer. The current review presents an overview of the clinical studies of gemcitabine over the past decade for the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Other investigational regimens or uses (e.g., fixed dose-rate infusion, intraarterial infusion, adjuvant use, chemo-radiation, etc) are also reviewed.
Press-fit stability of uncemented hemispheric acetabular components: a comparison of three porous coating systems.

Cementless acetabular components require good initial fixation to allow bony in-growth. The initial press-fit stability, important for designs that do not rely on supplemental fixation, was examined for three designs with different porous coating systems: beads, fiber mesh, and plasma spray. The ability to withstand tangential loads was determined (maximum rim loads: 122–1730 N). The plasma-sprayed acetabular cups withstood the greatest tangential load within the specified range of motion of 150 µm (P<0.01). Differences in surface preparation of titanium acetabular cups may significantly affect the initial stability of the implants in rim loading.
Opening the Black Box: a motivation for the assessment of mediation

Recent criticism of epidemiologic methods has focused on the limitations of 'black box' epidemiology, a pejorative label given to the simple identification of exposure-disease relationships. The assessment of mediation is an important tool for addressing this criticism. By using mediation analysis to open the black box, underlying mechanisms of the observed associations can be described and causal inference improved. An explicit theoretical motivation for such an analysis has been missing from the epidemiological literature. To provide this motivation, we integrate literature from epidemiology and other social sciences to describe the reasons that an investigator might want to assess mediation. We then describe the connections between these reasons and specific measures of indirect and direct effects that have been previously described.
Early experience with lidocaine patch for postoperative pain control after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Abstract Introduction Reduced postoperative pain is one of the many factors that have driven the growing emphasis on the role of laparoscopic surgery for surgical management. Several studies have documented the advantages of the laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias compared to the open ventral herniorraphy. However, the laparoscopic approach may be associated with more postoperative pain initially. In this preliminary study, we present data from our early experience with the use of a lidocaine patch for pain control in the immediate postoperative period following laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVH). Methods Thirty consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic ventral herniorraphy (LVH) and were selected randomly and placed into one of two groups. In one group, we placed a lidocaine patch (LP) (Lidoderm, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chadds Ford, PA) on the anterior abdominal wall corresponding to the placement site of the underlying mesh in fifteen patients (Group A). In the second group, we did not place a LP on the abdominal wall of fifteen consecutive patients (Group B). We assessed all patients according to their demographic data, Body Mass Index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, the size of the abdominal wall defect (AWD), area of mesh (size) used, operative time, length of hospital stay (LOA), morbidity, and the individual patient's pain score at discharge, two weeks and two months postoperatively. Results The two groups were similar with respect to demographics, BMI, ASA, AWD, size of mesh, LOS and morbidity. Group A had a statistically significant reduction in their postoperative pain score at discharge when compared to Group B (3.13±1.68 and 4.8±1.42, respectively, p value=0.0067). Conclusion In this preliminary study, the use of a lidocaine patch in the management of postoperative pain following laparoscopic ventral herniorraphy is a safe and promising modality to consider in the management of postoperative pain control.
The design of eco-feedback technology

Eco-feedback technology provides feedback on individual or group behaviors with a goal of reducing environmental impact. The history of eco-feedback extends back more than 40 years to the origins of environmental psychology. Despite its stated purpose, few HCI eco-feedback studies have attempted to measure behavior change. This leads to two overarching questions: (1) what can HCI learn from environmental psychology and (2) what role should HCI have in designing and evaluating eco-feedback technology? To help answer these questions, this paper conducts a comparative survey of eco-feedback technology, including 89 papers from environmental psychology and 44 papers from the HCI and UbiComp literature. We also provide an overview of predominant models of proenvironmental behaviors and a summary of key motivation techniques to promote this behavior.
Fundamental forms of information

Fundamental forms of information, as well as the term information itself, are defined and developed for the purposes of information science/studies. Concepts of natural and represented information (taking an unconventional sense of representation), encoded and embodied information, as well as experienced, enacted, expressed, embedded, recorded, and trace information are elaborated. The utility of these terms for the discipline is illustrated with examples from the study of information-seeking behavior and of information genres. Distinctions between the information and curatorial sciences with respect to their social (and informational) objects of study are briefly outlined.
Supporting parents of very young children with type 1 diabetes: Results from a pilot study

Objective To assess initial efficacy and feasibility of a telephone-based supportive intervention for parents of young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) designed to improve parental quality of life (QOL) through decreased parental stress, increased social support, and improved daily management of their child's diabetes.
The pure rotational spectrum of CrCN (X 6Σ): an unexpected geometry and unusual spin interactions

The pure rotational spectrum of CrCN (X 6Σ+) has been recorded in the frequency range 250–520 GHz using direct-absorption techniques. This is the first spectroscopic investigation of the CrCN radical. This species was synthesized by reacting Cr vapour with (CN)2. Spectra were obtained for the main isotopic species, the 53Cr and 13C isotopologues, and the heavy atom stretch and several quanta of the bending vibration. The molecule was found to have a linear cyanide geometry and a 6Σ+ ground state. Rotational, fine structure, and l-type doubling constants have been determined. The spin–spin parametre λ was found to be small–a likely result of competing second-order spin–orbit contributions from excited 4Σ−, 4Π, and 6Π states. However, λ increased significantly in the bending mode, which may be caused by a reduction of the 6Σ+−4Π interaction strength due to spin–orbit vibronic coupling. In contrast, the value of γ, arising from interactions with a nearby 6Πstate, was independent of v 2. The CrCN bond le...
Square‐Centimeter Solution‐Processed Planar CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Exceeding 15%

The preparation of uniform, high-crystallinity planar perovskite films with high-aspect-ratio grains over a square-inch area is demonstrated. The best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.3% (stabilized output of ≈15.6%) is obtained for a planar perovskite solar cell (PSC) with 1.2 cm2 active area, and the PCE jumps to 18.3% (stabilized output of ≈17.5%) for a PSC with a 0.12 cm2 active area.
Mean Structure and Dynamics of the Shelfbreak Jet in the Middle Atlantic Bight during Fall and Winter

Abstract Using a collection of high-resolution shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) velocity sections that cross the Middle Atlantic Bight shelfbreak jet near 70°W, the mean structure of the frontal jet is described and the dominant modes of variability of the jet are examined. A mean section is constructed in a translating coordinate frame whose origin tracks the instantaneous position of the core of the jet, thereby minimizing variability associated with the lateral meandering of the current. The mean jet so constructed extends to the bottom, tilting onshore with depth, with near-bottom flow exceeding 0.10 m s−1. The corresponding cross-stream flow reveals a clear pattern of convergence that extends along the tilted axis of the jet, with enhanced convergence both near the surface and near the bottom. This convergence is largely attributed to the locally convergent topography and is shown to drive an ageostrophic circulation dominated by downwelling at, and offshore of, the jet core. The co...
Damage mechanics constitutive model for Pb/Sn solder joints incorporating nonlinear kinematic hardening and rate dependent effects using a return mapping integration algorithm

Abstract A thermodynamics-based damage mechanics rate dependent constitutive model is used to simulate experiments conducted on thin layer eutectic Pb/Sn solder joints. As compared to previous implementations of the model here we correct the difficulties introduced by the slow convergency rate of the Owen and Hinton (Owen, D.R.J., Hinton, E., 1980. Finite Element in Plasticity. Pineridge Press Limited, Swansea, UK) integration scheme. To this end, we time-integrated the model with a classical return mapping algorithm where rate dependency, nonlinear kinematic hardening of the Armstrong–Frederick type and damage effects are simultaneously coupled. The model is implemented into the commercial finite element code ABAQUS via its user material subroutine capability and validated against experimental results. We simulated monotonic shear, cyclic shear and fatigue shear experiments performed on homemade thin layer solder joints. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experiments and the model accurately describes the true behavior of Pb/Sn solder alloys. As a direct advantage of the new model implementation this can be used for axisymmetric and 3D simulations as opposed to the plain strain-only capability in the Owen and Hinton (Owen, D.R.J., Hinton, E., 1980. Finite Element in Plasticity. Pineridge Press Limited, Swansea, UK) integration scheme.
INTERACTION BETWEEN THE POSTSUBICULUM AND ANTERIOR THALAMUS IN THE GENERATION OF HEAD DIRECTION CELL ACTIVITY

Previous research has identified neurons in the postsubiculum (PoS) and anterior dorsal thalamic nucleus (AD) of the rat that discharge as a function of the animal's head direction. In addition, anatomical studies have shown that the AD and PoS are reciprocally connected with one another. The current study examined whether head direction (HD) cells in each of the two areas is dependent on input from the other structure. After both electrolytic or neurotoxic lesions of the AD, no cells were identified with direction-specific discharge in the PoS. In contrast, AD HD cell activity was still present after neurotoxic lesions to the PoS. However, AD HD cells in PoS-lesioned rats exhibited three important differences compared with AD HD cells in intact animals: (1) their directional firing range was significantly larger, (2) their firing predicted the animal's future head direction by a larger amount, and (3) their preferred firing direction was substantially less influenced by a prominent visual landmark within the recording environment. These results indicate that information critical for HD cell activity is conveyed in both directions between the AD and the PoS; whereas the AD is necessary for the presence of HD cell activity in the PoS, the PoS appears important in allowing visual landmarks to exert control over the preferred firing direction of AD HD cells. These findings have implications for several computational models that propose to account for the generation of the HD cell signal.
Presidential address: What we have learned from a decade of research aimed at improving psychotherapy outcome in routine care

The findings of a decade-long program of research aimed at tracking patient treatment response are summarized. Outcome measures were developed and applied on a weekly basis with patients undergoing therapy in routine practice. Treatment response was defined as reliable and clinically significant change, and longitudinal statistical models for identifying poor progress were applied. The author was able to estimate the amount of therapy necessary for recovery, study early dramatic improvers, and assess the consequences of providing practitioners with alarm signals when patients were off track for a positive outcome. Results indicate that integrating treatment response research into routine mental health care reliably improved positive outcomes and reduced negative outcomes. Future directions for this line of action research are suggested.
Cardiac transplantation: a second chance for extending life.

Cardiac transplantation is one of the most critical of all transplantations because of its function in maintaining life. A review of the elements involved in the understanding and in the application of cardiac transplantation are presented. Cardiac transplantation is established therapy for end-stage heart disease. 1-3 The impact and importance of psychosocial issues, patient education, and general compliance on cardiac transplantation success and survival cannot be overemphasized. Successful cardiac transplantation is based on survival and control of comorbid diseases; it is influenced by lifelong adherence to therapeutic regimens and by the quality of life outcomes. 2,4
Software maintainability benefits from annotation-driven code

Java annotations and their predecessors XDoclet annotations are well positioned to offer a substantial benefit for developing and maintaining software by combining relevant metadata together with the code that makes use of them. In this paper we share the insights that we gained by developing the J2EE Connector Tools suite, which is part of IBM Rational Application Developer. This tools suite is used to generate annotated Java code capable of connecting to Enterprise Information Systems through the Java EE Connector APIs. The generated code is annotation driven, and in the paper we show how the annotations in the generated code helped us to achieve a high degree of efficient code maintenance for the tools that generate the code as well as for the generated code itself.
INTEGRATED MICROMECHANICAL--STRUCTURAL MODELS FOR LONG--TERM BEHAVIOR OF FRP COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

This paper presents an integrated constitutivestructural modeling framework for the analysis of nonlinear and longterm behavior of laminated composite materials and structures. A nonlinear micromechanical model with viscoelastic matrix constituents is used with both 3D and shellbased finite elements (FE). The unidirectional composite is idealized as doubly periodic array of rectangular fibers. A simplified unitcell with four fiber and matrix subcells, based on the method of cell (MOC) configuration proposed by Aboudi (1991), is used. A constraint of effective planestress is added to the nonlinear 3D micromodel in the case of shell FE models. The constitutive models for the elastic linear fiber and nonlinear viscoelastic matrix constituents are performed at the lowest level of the micromodel. Recursiveiterative numerical integration schemes are performed to integrate the Schapery nonlinear viscoelastic model implemented for the isotropic matrix. Longterm experimental creep data from literature for graphite/epoxy are used in order to characterize the material properties. This modeling approach is general and can easily include temperature, moisture, and physical aging effects. The effect of material nonlinearity on the longterm behavior of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composites is also investigated. Applications of the proposed integrated micromacro model are presented for creep responses of notched composite panel under surface pressure and for single lap joint under tensile load. 45th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics & Materials Conference 19 22 April 2004, Palm Springs, California AIAA 2004-1637