cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Work of Repetition in 1960s Nigerian Epistolary Pamphlets

Nigerian epistolary pamphlets in the 1960s contained large quantities of reprinted material from globally circulating publications dating back to the early nineteenth century. Anachronistic English...
DECOHERENCE IN THE DIRAC EQUATION

A Dirac particle is represented by a unitarily evolving state vector in a Hilbert space which factors as Hspin ⊗ Hposition. Motivated by the similarity to simple models of decoherence consisting of a two state system coupled to an environment, we investigate the occurence of decoherence in the Dirac equation upon tracing over position. We conclude that the physics of this mathematically exact model for decoherence is closely related to Zitterbewegung.
Total Joint Arthroplasty in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients

Recent advances in the medical management of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have led to improvement in their life expectancy. The growing numbers of HIV-positive patients are now living long enough to develop end-stage arthritis, as well as other long-term musculoskeletal complications of HIV infection and treatment. This has resulted in an increased demand for total joint arthroplasty among these individuals. However, the safety and outcomes of such procedures are frequently questioned in published reports. Although increased complication rates have often been reported, most studies have reported on joint arthroplasties in HIV patients with hemophilia. The most widely reported complications in both HIV-negative and positive hemophiliac patients are aseptic loosening and postoperative infection. A possible relationship between the rate of these complications and cluster of differentiation (CD4) lymphocyte count has also been proposed. In addition to hemophilia, other factors frequently comorbid with HIV infection, such as intravenous drug use, can further complicate the clinical outcomes of these individuals following total joint replacement procedures. Physicians treating HIV positive patients must remain aware of the risks and outcomes of total joint surgery in this group when counseling them on treatment options.
Academic issues in MIS: journals and books

The range of journals in which to publish scholarly papers in the management information systems (MIS) field has expanded over the years. The perceived ranking of the journals by those in the field is an important issue to academics. Another question of importance to academic personnel in the MIS field is whether the writing of books counts toward tenure and promotion. This article presents the results of a survey relative to these two questions. It was conducted in late 1989 and early 1990 among MIS professors in AACSB accredited business schools, with about half of all such schools participating. The survey found that the most highly regarded journals for IS research include an assortment of IS-specific, computer science, and management science journals. This continues a long-standing tradition, despite the introduction of several new IS journals. IT also showed that books are generally counted toward tenure and promotion.
Cyclic variation of sialic acid content in saliva.

Abstract The sialic acid content of whole saliva is at a minimium close to mid-cycle. This was shown to be the case for 3 subjects during 4 successive cycles. For one subject who experiences mittelschmerz, the decline in sialic acid commences 1 to 2 days before intermenstrual pain occurs.
Tunnel-valve and spin-valve structures with in situ in-stack bias

Summary form only given. As recording densities increase above 100 Gbit/in/sup 2/, read sensor trackwidth must be reduced below 0.2 /spl mu/m. To improve sensor operation, it is necessary to develop alternatives to traditional contiguous junction hard bias stabilization schemes. One such alternative consists of an in-stack magnetic bias layer deposited in close proximity to the sensor layer. Upon trackwidth definition, this results in a magnetostatic bias coupling at the sensor edges. For in-stack bias to be effective, several aspects must be optimized. (1) The bias layer must be as close as possible to the sensor free layer to increase the biasing effect. (2) Any direct ferromagnetic coupling between free and bias layer across a spacer layer must be minimized. (3) The bias layer must be well pinned and oriented perpendicular to the tunnel-valve pinned layer. To achieve these goals, we have studied bottom-PtMn spin-valve and tunnel valve structures of the type Ta/PtMn/CoFe/(Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ or Cu)/CoFe/NiFe/Ta/CoFe/IrMn/Ta deposited in situ in a single process by magnetron sputtering. Ta thicknesses between 10 and 30 /spl Aring/ have been used to decouple the bias layer from the free layer, and IrMn is used to pin the bias layer magnetization.
The role of goal orientation in self-regulated learning.

Publisher Summary Current research on goal orientation and self-regulated learning suggests a general framework for examining learning and motivation in academic contexts. Moreover, there are some important generalizations that are emerging from this research. It seems clear that an approach-mastery goal orientation is generally adaptive for cognition, motivation, learning, and performance. The roles of the other goal orientations need to be explored more carefully in empirical research, but the general framework of mastery and performance goals seems to provide a useful way to conceptualize the academic achievement goals that students may adopt in classroom settings and their role in facilitating or constraining self-regulated learning. There is much theoretical and empirical work to be done, but the current models and frameworks are productive and should lead to research on classroom learning that is both theoretically grounded and pedagogically useful.
Coordinate Regulation of IFN Consensus Sequence-Binding Protein and Caspase-1 in the Sensitization of Human Colon Carcinoma Cells to Fas-Mediated Apoptosis by IFN-γ

Interferon-γ is thought to be essential for the regulation of antitumor reactions. However, the degree of responsiveness of malignant cells to IFN-γ may have a profound influence on the overall efficacy of an antitumor response. In this study, we examined the molecular basis by which IFN-γ differentially sensitized human primary and metastatic colon carcinoma cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis. To that end, we analyzed IFN-γ-induced gene expression at the genome scale, followed by an analysis of the expression and function of specific genes associated with IFN-γ- and Fas-mediated signaling. We found that although both cell populations exhibited a similar gene expression profile at the genome scale in response to IFN-γ, the expression intensities of the IFN-γ-regulated genes were much greater in the primary tumor. Noteworthily, two genes, one involved in IFN-γ-mediated signaling, IFN consensus sequence-binding protein (ICSBP), and one involved in Fas-mediated signaling, caspase-1, were clearly shown to be differentially induced between the two cell lines. In the primary tumor cells, the expression of ICSBP and caspase-1 was strongly induced in response to IFN-γ, whereas they were weakly to nondetectable in the metastatic tumor cells. Functional studies demonstrated that both caspase-1 and ICSBP were involved in Fas-mediated apoptosis following IFN-γ sensitization, but proceeded via two distinct pathways. This study also reports for the first time the expression of ICSBP in a nonhemopoietic tumor exhibiting proapoptotic properties. Overall, in a human colon carcinoma cell model, we identified important functional contributions of two IFN-γ-regulated genes, ICSBP and caspase-1, in the mechanism of Fas-mediated death.
Vitamin B-6 status of Egyptian mothers: relation to infant behavior and maternal-infant interactions.

Functional consequences of marginal maternal vitamin B-6 status for behavior of the neonate and for mother-infant interactions at age 3-6 mo were assessed by a double-blind procedure. In 27 of 70 Egyptian village women studied vitamin B-6 concentration of their milk was considered indicative of poor maternal vitamin B-6 nutriture. Neonatal behavior quantified by the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale showed that consolability appropriate build-up to a crying state and response to aversive stimuli were significantly correlated with maternal vitamin B-6 nutriture. Naturalistic observational procedures used twice monthly with infants aged 3-6 mo indicated that mothers assessed as having marginal vitamin B-6 status were less responsive to their infants vocalizations showed less effective intervention to infant distress and were more likely to use older siblings as caregivers than were mothers of better vitamin status. We conclude that vitamin B-6 was a factor influencing both the behavior of the mother and her infant. (authors)
Isolated left‐sided pulmonary edema caused by alemtuzumab (Campath®) during kidney transplantation

Alemtuzumab is a novel anti-CD-52 monoclonal antibody for immunosuppression. Although cost effective and efficacious, alemtuzumab is not without risk. Interestingly, intraoperative complications caused by alemtuzumab have rarely been reported. We describe a case of intraoperative pulmonary edema following administration of alemtuzumab. A 22-year-old man underwent kidney transplantation and received alemtuzumab intraoperatively. To provide better surgical exposure for transplantation, the operation table was tilted to the right. At the end of 3.5-h uneventful procedure, a sudden oxygen desaturation was noted after the bed was flattened. The postoperative chest X-ray showed opacification of the entire left lung field. After 4 days of bi-level positive airway pressure treatment, the lung field was cleared. This case is unique in that pulmonary edema developed during surgery after administration of alemtuzumab, and that the edema developed only in the nondependent lung. Transplant anesthesiologists should be aware of the risk of this complication with these novel anti-CD-52 monoclonal antibodies.
A Transportation-Scheduling System for Managing Silvicultural Projects

A silvicultural project encompasses tasks such as site-level planning, regeneration, harvest, and stand-tending treatments. An essential problem in managing silvicultural projects is to efficiently schedule the operations while considering project task due dates and costs of moving scarce resources to specific job locations. Transportation costs represent a significant portion of the total operating cost. The main difficulty in developing such a management system is finding an optimal transport schedule while handling complicated constraints, such as precedence and temporal relations among project tasks, project due dates, truck routing, weather, and other operational conditions. It is well known that finding an optimal solution to these types of problems involves high computational complexity. They are usually NP-hard. For this reason, we propose to use simulated annealing -a meta-heuristic optimization method- that interacts with a network simulation model of the system in which the precedence and temporal relations among project tasks and logistics are explicitly accounted for. The approach has been tested using data provided by a silvicultural contractor located in Alabama. The results obtained solving one instance of a small size problem with five worksites showed that the best solution could be found in less than four minutes using a personal computer with a processor Pentium III (1 GHz). A good solution for a larger problem with twenty worksites was found in thirty minutes. Also a resource analysis is performed to evaluate the impact of each resource on the best solution.
Mutations affecting development of the zebrafish retina

In a large scale screen for genetic defects in zebrafish embryogenesis we identified 49 mutations affecting development of the retina. Based on analysis of living embryos as well as histological sections, we grouped the isolated mutations into six phenotypic categories. (1) Mutations in three loci result in a loss of wild-type laminar pattern of the neural retina. (2) Defects in four loci lead to an abnormal specification of the eye anlagen. Only one eye frequently forms in this class of mutants. (3) Seven loci predominantly affect development of the outer retinal layers. Mutants in this category display cell loss mainly in the photoreceptor cell layer. (4) Nine mutations cause retardation of eye growth without any other obvious abnormalities in the retina. (5) A group of twelve mutations is characterized by nonspecific retinal degeneration. (6) Four mutations display retinal degeneration associated with a pigmentation defect. Finally, two mutations, one with absence of the ventral retina and one with an eye-specific pigmentation defect, are not classified in any of the above groups. The identified mutations affect numerous aspects of eye development, including: specification of the eye anlage, growth rate of the optic cup, establishment of retinal stratification, specification or differentiation of retinal neurons and formation of the dorsoventral axis in the developing eye.
The Past, Present and Future for the Early Childhood Education Researcher.

Abstract This paper reviews past research in the area of early childhood education, points out current realities, and suggests future possibilities for investigation. It is suggested that, while research questions in the field abound, many impediments to the conduct of research now exist. Diversity and uniformity in the field are discussed in relationship to the conduct of research. Discussion of future research possibilities centers on the challenges of finding research support and gaining access to programs and securing the confidence of teachers and parents. Qualitatively oriented models for university-based research are also recommended. Specific attention is given to a resource collaborator model emphasizing reciprocity between researchers and practitioners.
Studies of the structure of blends containing two liquid crystal polymers

Blends in which both of the component materials are capable of forming liquid crystalline phases are considered in the present work. Solid-state characterization data are presented that suggest that chemical reaction is not a dominant event when two such materials are blended in the melt. Also, ideas of small-molecule liquid crystal mixing are shown to be not applicable to describe the behavior of this system. A formalism for describing blends of liquid crystal polymers, based on Windle's sequence matching arguments, is proposed.
Do the PHQ-8 and the PHQ-2 accurately screen for depressive disorders in a sample of pregnant women?

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-8, and the PHQ-2, a two-item version of the PHQ, respectively, in pregnancy. These screeners were compared to a structured diagnostic interview in a cohort of pregnant women attending prenatal care. B ased upon studies documenting high sensitivity and specificity on the PHQ-8 and PHQ-2 in the general adult population, we hypothesized that both instruments would be effective in this population. Methods Two hundred eighteen women, 13 of them depressed, were given the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and the PHQ-8 before 17 weeks of pregnancy. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves determined optimal thresholds and sensitivity and specificity were calculated using both dimensional and categorical approaches. Agreement between the PHQ-2 and PHQ-8 was measured using Cohen's kappa. Results Optimal cutoffs for the PHQ-8 and PHQ-2 were 11 and 4, respectively. Using these cutoffs, the PHQ-8 had a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 62% while the PHQ-2 had a sensitivity of 62% and a specificity of 79%. The categorical method of scoring the PHQ-8 yielded a sensitivity of 54% and a specificity of 84%. Conclusions In our sample, the PHQ-8 and PHQ-2 performed almost equally in detecting probable major depressive disorder in a sample of pregnant women. The categorical scoring method for the PHQ-8 had lower sensitivity but slightly higher specificity than the dimensional version. We found the PHQ-8 and PHQ-2 to have lower sensitivity and specificity in our pregnant population as compared to findings in nonpregnant populations; however, characteristics of our sample and choice of diagnostics instrument could explain these discrepant findings.
Phospho-ibuprofen (MDC-917) suppresses breast cancer growth: an effect controlled by the thioredoxin system

We have recently synthesized phospho-ibuprofen (P-I; MDC-917), a safer derivative of ibuprofen, which has shown anti-cancer activity. We investigated its efficacy and mechanism of action in the treatment of breast cancer in preclinical models. We evaluated the anti-breast-cancer efficacy of P-I alone or incorporated into liposomes (Lipo-P-I) in human estrogen receptor-positive (MCF-7) and triple-negative, i.e., estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and HER2-negative (MDA-MB231) breast cancer cell lines - as they represent the most frequent (estrogen receptor-positive) and the most difficult-to-treat (triple-negative) subtypes of breast cancer - and their xenografts in nude mice. We assessed the effect of P-I on the levels of reactive oxygen nitrogen species in response to P-I using molecular probes, on the thioredoxin system (expression and redox status of thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) and thioredoxin reductase activity), on cyclooxygenase 2, NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase cell signaling; and on the growth of xenografts with stably knocked-down Trx-1. Compared with controls, P-I 400 mg/kg/day inhibited the growth of MDA-MB231 xenografts by 266%, while the growth of MCF-7 xenografts was inhibited 51% byP-I 300 mg/kg/day and 181% by Lipo-P-I 300 mg/kg/day. In both cell lines, P-I induced oxidative stress and suppressed the thioredoxin system (oxidized Trx-1 and decreased its expression; inhibited thioredoxin reductase activity). These changes triggered downstream redox signaling: the activity of NF-κB was suppressed and the Trx-1-ASK1 complex was dissociated, activating the p38 and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades. Trx-1 knockdown abrogated the anti-cancer effect of P-I in vitro and in vivo. P-I is safe and effective against breast cancer. Liposomal formulation enhances its efficacy; the effect is heavily dependent on the induction of oxidative stress and the suppression of the thioredoxin system. P-I merits further evaluation as an agent for the treatment of breast cancer.
Lifetime-based photoacoustic oxygen sensing in vivo

The determination of oxygen levels in blood and other tissues in vivo is critical for ensuring proper body functioning, for monitoring the status of many diseases, such as cancer, and for predicting the efficacy of therapy. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, a lifetime-based photoacoustic technique for the measurement of oxygen in vivo, using an oxygen sensitive dye, enabling real time quantification of blood oxygenation. The results from the main artery in the rat tail indicated that the lifetime of the dye, quantified by the photoacoustic technique, showed a linear relationship with the blood oxygenation levels in the targeted artery.
The incidence of cancer and rate of false-negative cytology in thyroid nodules greater than or equal to 4 cm in size.

Background High false-negative rates for fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules greater than 3 cm have prompted recommendations for diagnostic lobectomy. We considered the presence of a greater than 4 cm nodule an independent indication for thyroidectomy regardless of FNAB results. Methods We reviewed clinical data from 223 patients with thyroid nodules greater than or equal to 4 cm operated on from July 2003 to November 2006. Unifocal micropapillary cancer was considered clinically insignificant. Results Clinically significant thyroid cancer was frequent, occurring in 57 of 223 patients (26%). Subgroup analysis showed that 43 of 223 patients (19.3%) had carcinoma within the mass and that 7 of 223 patients (3.1%) had significant carcinoma elsewhere in the resected thyroid. Multifocal micropapillary cancer was found in an additional 7 of 223 patients (3.1%). Preoperative FNAB was read incorrectly as benign in 9 of 71 patients with cancer (13%) (16% including multifocal micropapillary carcinoma). Benign FNAB results failed to identify 24 (34%) follicular lesions (including 7 cancers). In patients with preoperative FNAB results categorized as indeterminate lesions, 17 of 43 patients (40%) had carcinoma of the mass on final pathology. Conclusions In thyroid nodules greater than or equal to 4 cm, the incidence of carcinoma is high with a high false-negative rate for preoperative benign cytology. Thyroid nodules greater than or equal to 4 cm should be considered for diagnostic lobectomy regardless of FNAB results.
Troublesome Partnership: Gouverneur K. Warren and Ferdinand V. Hayden on the Northern Plains in 1856 and 1857

Ferdinand V. Hayden's adamant opposition to military explorations and surveys developed during Hayden's participation in two expeditions commanded by Lieutenant Gouverneur K. Warren in 1856 and 1857. The attitudes formed during those years helped shape Hayden's position in the debates of the 1870's over the future of western exploration and the establishment of a United States Geological Survey.
Stimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, AMPA receptors or metabotropic glutamate receptors leads to rapid internalization of AMPA receptors in cultured nucleus accumbens neurons

In hippocampus and other regions, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptors are inserted into synapses during long-term potentiation and removed during long-term depression. However, little is known about regulation of AMPA receptor trafficking in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), despite growing evidence that glutamate-dependent forms of plasticity in the NAc contribute to drug addiction. Using postnatal rat NAc cultures and an immunocytochemical method that selectively detects newly internalized GluR1, we studied the regulation of AMPA receptor internalization in NAc neurons by glutamate agonists. Newly internalized GluR1 was detected during 15 or 30 min of incubation at room temperature, indicating a basal rate of GluR1 turnover. The rate of GluR1 internalization was increased by glutamate (50 microM) within 5 min of its addition. Glutamate-induced GluR1 internalization was partially blocked by either an AMPA receptor antagonist (CNQX; 20 microM) or an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (APV; 50 microM). Both NMDA (50 microM) and AMPA (50 microM) increased GluR1 internalization in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. The NMDA effect was blocked by APV while the AMPA effect was blocked by APV or CNQX. We interpret these findings to suggest that NMDA and AMPA ultimately trigger GluR1 internalization through the same NMDA receptor-dependent pathway. The effect of glutamate was also partially blocked by the group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist N-phenyl-7-(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxamide (PHCCC; 50 microM), while the group 1 agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG; 50 microM) stimulated GluR1 internalization. These data suggest that AMPA receptors on NAc neurons may be subject to rapid regulation of their surface expression in response to changes in the activity of glutamate inputs from cortical and limbic regions.
Biological and Phytochemical Investigation of Plants XVI: Strumpfia maritima (Rubiaceae)

An aqueous extract of the flowering tops of Strumpfia maritima exhibited antifertility activity in female rats. The extract also contained the flavonol glycoside narcissin. This article represents the first reported isolation of this flavonoid from the Rubiaceae, as well as the first reported phytochemical and pharmacological investigation of the genus Strumpfia.
Stability of quasi-static slip in a single degree of freedom elastic system with rate and state dependent friction

Abstract The stability of quasi-static frictional slip of a single degree of freedom elastic system is studied for a Dieterich–Ruina rate and state dependent friction law, showing steady-state velocity weakening, and following the ageing (or slowness) version of the state evolution law. Previous studies have been done for the slip version. Analytically determined phase plane trajectories and Liapunov function methods are used in this work. The stability results have an extremely simple form: (1) When a constant velocity is imposed at the load point, slip motion is always periodic when the elastic stiffness, K, has a critical value, Kcr. Slip is always stable when K > Kcr > 0, with rate approaching the load-point velocity, and unstable (slip rates within the quasi-static model become unbounded) when K Kcr. An implication of this result for slip instabilities in continuum systems is that a critical nucleation size of coherent slip has to be attained before unstable slip can ensue. (2) When the load point is stationary, the system stably evolves towards slip at a monotonically decreasing rate whenever K ⩾ Kcr > 0. However, when K
Seizure Etiologies in a Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center Population

Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine the etiologies of seizures in a Veterans' Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) population. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all VAMC patients discharged from the Northport VAMC who carried a diagnosis of recent or prior seizures. We divided cases into those who received at least one inpatient or outpatient psychiatric evaluation ( n = 51) and nonpsychiatric cases ( n = 38). Overall etiologies for seizures were substance abuse (22; 24.7%), idiopathic or indeterminate causes (15;16.9%), stroke (18; 20.2%), head trauma (14; 15.7%), and other causes (15; 16.9%). Head trauma and idiopathic/indeterminate causes were significantly more common in the psychiatric group ( p p
Evolved Gas Analysis-Mass Spectrometry (EGA-MS) Using Skimmer Interface System Equipped with Pressure Control Function

A new evolved gas analysis-mass spectrometry (EGA-MS) equipped with a skimmer interface system and a pressure control function (PCF) has been developed successfully. The skimmer interface system based upon jet separator principle is constructed between a sample chamber surrounded by an electrical furnace and a vacuum chamber. Although the skimmer type is principally more excellent than a capillary type, it is a significant problem that the sensitivity of EGA-MS falls with increasing the temperature. The fall of detection sensitivity of EGA-MS depending on temperature rising has been remarkably improved by introducing the pressure control function (PCF). As the result of evaluating PCF by using the thermal decomposition of calcium oxalate monohydrate, the ionic intensities of the evolved gases increased more than twice. The new EGA-MS was applied to the thermal decomposition of zinc acetylacetonate monohydrate and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). It was confirmed that the more sensitive and precise gas analysis which prevented condensation of evolution gases and/or generation of by-products can be performed, by comparing with the capillary interface system of TG-MS.
The Impact of SFAS No. 114 on the Linear Information Dynamic for Commercial Banks

Increase (decrease) in loan loss provisions would decrease (increases) bank earnings, but increase (decreases) regulatory capital. Previous studies have separately documented earnings and capital management behavior via loan loss provisions by commercial banks. However, it is difficult to isolate a bank's demand for increasing earnings from its demand for regulatory capital because earnings is a source of capital. Based on the objective bank function, this study investigates the impact of SFAS No. 114 on the information content of loan loss provisions in relation to both earnings quality and capital adequacy in a linear information dynamic framework. Test results show that the association between market value with loan loss provisions became significantly stronger for commercial banks in the post- than in the pre-adoption period. As a result, SFAS No. 114 is also found to positively affect the association of market value with both bank earnings and regulatory capital through the clean surplus relation because of the higher value relevance of loan loss provisions. The findings thus provide empirical evidence that SFAS No. 114 has significantly complemented banking regulations in enhancing (reducing) the (dispersion from the) accounting measurement construct of loan loss provisions.
DEVELOPMENT OF A MOTIVATION AND POTENTIAL FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTHOOD SCALE

Purpose of the present study was to construct a motivation and potential for adoptive parenthood scale using the basic principles of psychometric theory. The sample consisted of 530 adoptive famili...
Analysis of RBS spectra from samples implanted to high dose

Abstract A procedure for extracting the local stoichiometry and atomic fraction of constituents from RBS spectra of a sample implanted to high dose is described. The procedure is applied to SiO2 and when combined with an assumption about oxygen concentration is used to deduce the volume concentration of Si vs depth in the sample.
Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Guiding Atrial Fibrillation Management

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice today. Until recently, the therapeutic approaches for AF have been limited by imperfect risk prediction models and suboptimal approaches for AF ablation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of left atrial (LA) fibrosis and correlation of these structural remodelling changes to outcomes of stroke, AF recurrence, and congestive heart failure have provided us with information to optimize the care of our patients with AF based on screening for fibrotic atrial cardiomyopathy, for which AF is the arrhythmic manifestation. These data allow us to bring these new imaging modalities to the forefront of AF management and the delivery of personalized medicine. Future developments promise to improve the outcomes and safety for AF and fibrotic atrial cardiomyopathy.
Introducing the United States Extremis Crime Database (ECDB)

This note describes a new and unique, open source, relational database called the United States Extremist Crime Database (ECDB). We first explain how the ECDB was created and outline its distinguishing features in terms of inclusion criteria and assessment of ideological commitment. Second, the article discusses issues related to the evaluation of the ECDB, such as reliability and selectivity. Third, descriptive results are provided to illustrate the contributions that the ECDB can make to research on terrorism and criminology.
On the beta transformation family

Several flexible, one-parameter classes of transformations have been proposed for random variables taking values in [0, 11. This article studies a transformation family based on the incomplete beta function that, unlike other families proposed, includes the arcsin squareroot transformation, the logit transformation, and the identity transformation. Applications to regression, correlation analysis, and response-surface analysis are presented. A new method of comparing members of different transformation families is derived, and connections with generalized linear models are discussed. The article concentrates on continuous data rather than binomial data.
Some Remarks on the Spectral Theory and Commutativity of Unbounded Normal Operators

In this paper we give a development of the spectral theory and commutativity properties of unbounded normal operators in the style of Kadison and Ringrose.
Noise of simulated rainfall on roofs

Abstract New Zealand has problems with noise in buildings caused by rainfall. This is due to high rainfall rates and a lightweight style of building. Experimental and theoretical work has been carried out to examine the effect of various roof constructions on noise transmitted to rooms beneath the roof and to investigate the mechanisms of noise generation. There is a significant variation in noise generation by different profiles of roof cladding, different cladding materials, and different ceiling constructions. Heavier claddings and additional mass in the roof structure generally reduce noise, with some contribution from sound absorptive infills. A simple prediction method is presented.
Empirical Bayes estimation smoothing of relative risks in disease mapping

A common index of disease incidence and mortality is the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). The SMR is a reliable measure of relative risk for large geographical regions such as countries or states, but may be unreliable for small areas such as counties. This paper reviews several empirical Bayes methods for producing smoothed estimates of the SMR as well as the conditional autoregressive procedure which accounts for spatial correlation. A multi-level Poisson model with covariates is developed, and estimating functions are used to estimate model parameters as in Lahiri and Maiti (University of Nebraska Technical Report, 2000). A hybrid of parametric bootstrap and delta methods is used to estimate the MSE. The proposed measure captures all sources of uncertainty in approximating the MSE of the proposed empirical Bayes estimator of the SMR.
Nonlinear forced vibration of orthotropic rectangular plates using the method of multiple scales

The method of multiple scales (MMS) in conjunction with the Galerkin method is used to analyze the nonlinear forced and damped response of a rectangular Orthotropic plate subjected to a uniformly distributed harmonic transverse loading. The effects of damping and in-plane loads are considered. The analysis considers simply supported as well as clamped plates. For each case, both movable and immovable edge conditions are considered. By using MMS, all possible resonances such as primary, subharmonic, and superharmonic reso- nances are studied. For the undamped response without in-plane loading, comparisons of the MMS results with those obtained by the finite-element method show excellent agreement. EVELOPMENT of composite materials comprising lam- inates of Orthotropic or multilayered anisotropic materi- als Recently has been receiving substantially growing research efforts. Due to the increasing demands for energy-efficient, high strength, minimum weight aircraft designs, many re- searchers believe that the use of composite materials offers promising alternatives for aircraft designs. Thin, laminated, composite plates subjected to transverse periodic loadings could encounter deflections of the order of plate thickness or even higher. Responses of this kind cannot be predicted by using the linear theory. Consequently, the need to study large- amplitude-deflection vibrations of composite structures is of paramount importance. The literature survey shows that the equations of motion for the large deflection analysis of heterogeneous anisotropic plates using the von Karman geometrical nonlinearity were first considered by Whitney and Leissa.1 Based on these equa- tions, different methods of analysis have been developed by several researchers. An excellent number of collections on nonlinear free and forced vibrations of composite plates cov- ering the work through 1979 can be found in the comprehen- sive book by Chia. 2 Bert3 has conducted a survey on the dynamics of composite plates for the period 1979-81. A re- view of the literature on nonlinear vibrations of plates can be found in the review paper by Sathyamoorthy4 and the book by Nayfeh and Mook.5 Large deflection analysis of symmetrically laminated rec- equations of motion are presented in terms of the lateral displacement and stress function. The equations are nondi- mensionalized following the transformation introduced by Brunelle and Oyibo.9 Though multimode analysis can be treated, the present study is focused on single-mode analysis. A deflection function representing the first mode and satisfy- ing the boundary conditions is assumed, and subsequently the stress function is found. Next, the Galerkin method is applied to obtain the modal equation, which is solved analytically by using the method of multiple scales (MMS).10 The MMS also provides solutions for subharmonic and superharmonic reso- nances. The effects of damping ratio, plate aspect ratio, and in-plane loading then are studied.
755-1 Early Angioplasty During Hospitalization for Acute Myocardial Infarction Improves 3-Year Survival

We studied the effect on survival of PTCA during hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (MI) in 42,595 patients from the MIDAS registry in New Jersey (years 1986–87). The 3-year unadjusted death rate was high, 36.0% in the absence of PTCA, but much lower, only 8.7%, in the 684 patients undergoing PTCA [7.7% (40/508) in men, and 11.7% (21/176) in women]. Early revascularization (PTCA in first 24 hours after admission) was performed in 41% of the patients. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed, including previously reported predictors of death following PTCA such as female sex, advanced age, impaired left ventricular function and prior MI, along with variables describing co-morbidity, race and insurance coverage. The adjusted death rate ratios (RR, 95% C.I.) associated with performance of early or late PTCA are noted below. Age group (v) 30–49 n = 1768 50–69 n = 398 70–89 n = 110 Early PTCA, RR 0.16 0.51 ** 0.49 ** (95%) C.I.) (0.02–1.16) (0.33–0.80) (0.29–0.85) Late PTCA, RR 0.86 0.79 0.35 ** (95% C.I.) (0.53–1.40) (0.62–1.00) (0.17–0.70) ** = p l 0.01 Conclusion Early PTCA during hospitalization for acute MI is independently associated with a 50% reduction in 3-year death risk in the middle-age and oldest groups after controlling for all the other factors in the Cox model. The benefit is also observed with late PTCA, but only achieves statistical significance in the oldest group.
Effect of hyperbranched acrylates on UV-curable soy-based biorenewable coatings

Utilization of biorenewable components in UV-curable coating formulations is both economically and environmentally beneficial, particularly when compared to their petrochemical-based counterparts. To produce UV-curable coatings of high biorenewable content with enhanced performance, acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (ASBO) was combined with biorenewable reactive diluent tetrahydrofufuryl acrylate, adhesion promoters, photoinitiator and hyperbranched acrylates (HBAs) as synthetic tougheners. The HBAs were found to impart high functionality and low viscosity, thus increasing crosslinking in the coating network and improving mechanical and thermal properties such as film hardness, adhesion, solvent resistance, impact resistance, tensile modulus and toughness, glass transition temperature and thermal stability. Real-time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed decreased acrylate conversion when compared with a reference formulation without HBAs, which was attributed to earlier coating network vitrification during UV irradiation. ASBO-based coatings were also thermally annealed to allow further reaction of unreacted components in the vitrified network. As a result, coating properties were further improved. Overall, the addition of HBAs as synthetic tougheners to UV-curable ASBO-based biorenewable coating systems was shown to greatly improve the corresponding coating properties. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimizing fitness for duty and post-combat clinical services for military personnel and combat veterans with ADHD—a systematic review of the current literature

Background : Attention deficit hyper activity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder, most often diagnosed in childhood, and characterized by hyperactivity and inattention that negatively impacts one’s ability to function and fulfill social and personal obligations. Individuals with past history of ADHD may enlist in the military under certain conditions, however the full impact of military training and deployment of later in life ADHD symptoms is unclear. It is of particular interest how military experience may affect ADHD in remission and if such individuals might be at elevated risk for relapse of ADHD symptoms. Method : We performed a systematic review f the available literature including the Department of Defense (DOD) guidelines for both eligibility to enlist and fitness for deployment based on reported history and current symptomatology of ADHD. Results : The after care for veterans with ADHD relapse is inconsistent and presents with number of challenges. We evaluate the DOD policies regarding the implications of ADHD for fitness for military service and post-combat mental health. Conclusion : The full extend of the interaction between pre-existing ADHD and post-combat PTSD are not fully understood. The development of comprehensive and clear algorithms for diagnosing and treating ADHD in the military before and after deployment will have a strong positive impact on the quality of care delivered to soldiers and veterans. Keywords : ADHD; military; PTSD Responsible Editor: Eric Vermetten, Central Military Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands. This paper is part of the Special Issue: PTSD in the military: prevalence, pathophysiology, treatment . More papers from this issue can be found at http://www.eurojnlofpsychotraumatol.net (Published: 14 August 2014) Citation : European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2014, 5 : 23894 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v5.23894
Conditioned place preference with morphine: The effect of extinction training on the reinforcing CR

Rats were injected with either morphine (5 mg/kg) or saline in association with one set of distinct environmental stimuli, and injected with saline in association with a different set of stimuli. After four conditioning trials, animals were given a 15-minute free-choice test to determine which stimulus environment was preferred. Animals displayed CPP as a significant increase in duration spent within the morphine-associated environment, but did not display any change in number of entries into that environment. In contrast, when extinction training was given following CPP, animals displayed a significant decrease in duration spent per entry into the morphine-associated environment, but did not display any change in total duration spent in that environment. These results suggest that assessment of the reinforcing conditioned response (CR) in the CPP model may require measurement of both duration spent in and number of entries into the drug-associated environment.
Cartilage estimation in noncontrast thoracic CT

Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common major congenital deformity that involves the lower sternum and cartilages. Noncontrast CT is useful to assess the deformity of the bones and guide minimally invasive surgery. However, it has very poor visibility of cartilages even for the experienced clinicians who need to assess the 3D geometry of cartilages. In this study, we propose a novel method to estimate cartilages in noncontrast CT scans. The ribs and sternum are first segmented using region growing. The skeleton of the ribs is extracted and modeled by cosine series expansion. Then a statistical shape model is built with the cosine coefficients to estimate the cartilages as curves that connect the ribs and sternum. The results are refined by the cartilage surface that is approximated by contracting the skin surface to the bones. Leave-one-out validation was performed on 12 CT scans from healthy and PE subjects. The average distance between the estimated cartilages and ground truth is 1.53 mm. The promising results indicate that our method could estimate the costal cartilages in noncontrast CT effectively and assist to develop an imagebased surgical planning system for PE correction.
Life Cycle Costs of Library Collections: Creation of Effective Performance and Cost Metrics for Library Resources

An important issue for research librarians is the life cycle cost of acquiring and maintaining a collection. While purchase costs are easy to identify, associated acquisition, cataloging, circulation, and maintenance expenses are difficult to measure and attribute to specific collections. This paper develops a methodology to determine the life cycle costs of collections based on readily available statistical data collected annually by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). ARL cost data (e.g., salaries and wages, materials expenditures, and operating expenses) for a specific library are allocated to collections (e.g., manuscripts, serials, and microforms) based on the size of the collection and its relative space requirements. By aggregating allocated costs, total life cycle costs for a collection can be estimated. Results of this research indicate that life cycle costs of collections are many multiples of their purchase costs. Results further suggest that the life cycle costs of monograph collections overwhelm the costs of other collections in research libraries—the cost structure of a research library is largely driven by its monograph collection. These results should prove useful in efforts to control costs and improve performance in research libraries.
Keratin 9 Is a Component of the Perinuclear Ring of the Manchette of Rat Spermatids

Previous work in our laboratory has shown that a 62- to 64-kDa protein was a major component of the perinuclear ring of manchettes fractionated from rat spermatids. Mass spectrometry analysis of this protein indicated the presence of a glycine-rich domain homologous to human keratin 9 (K9). Several antibodies to K9, raised against synthetic peptides of human K9, recognized the 64- to 62-kDa protein in the perinuclear ring of the manchette as well as in keratinocytes of the suprabasal layer of the rat and human footpad/sole epidermis in both immunoblotting and immunocytochemical experiments. Based on these data, human-derived K9 primers were used to clone rat K9 cDNA from epidermis by RT-PCR. Rat-specific K9 primers were then used to perform a two-step (nested) PCR to amplify the K9-specific rat testicular RNA and to obtain cDNA to demonstrate K9 gene expression in rat testis. The deduced amino acid sequence of rat K9 cDNA contains 618 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 63,020 Da, in agreement with that obtained by electrophoretic fractionation of rat manchette and epidermis footpad proteins. The deduced protein structure correlates with the recognizable pattern of keratins: a rod domain of 304 amino acids with well-conserved initiation and termination sequences (MQNLNSRLASY and EIETYRKLLEG, respectively), flanked by glycine/serine-rich head and tail domains of 141 and 173 amino acids, respectively. A high content of phenylalanine was detected in the head domain and a repetitive motif (SGGSYGGGS) in the tail domain. A comparison with human keratin 9 showed an overall nucleotide and amino acid similarity of 75%. An increased level of K9 transcripts was detected in a cDNA library prepared from fractionated round spermatids. Results of this study show that rat testis expresses K9 and that this protein is a component the perinuclear ring of the manchette of rat spermatids.
Adjusted Confidence Intervals for a Bounded Parameter

It is well known that the regular likelihood ratio test of a bounded parameter is not valid if the boundary value is being tested. This is the case for testing the null value of a scalar variance component. Although an adjusted test of variance component has been suggested to account for the effect of its lower bound of zero, no adjustment of its interval estimate has ever been proposed. If left unadjusted, the confidence interval of the variance may still contain zero when the adjusted test rejects the null hypothesis of a zero variance, leading to conflicting conclusions. In this research, we propose two ways to adjust the confidence interval of a parameter subject to a lower bound, one based on the Wald test and the other on the likelihood ratio test. Both are compatible to the adjusted test and parametrization-invariant. A simulation study and two examples are given in the framework of ACDE models in twin studies.