cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoids in Central Nervous System Bacterial Infection

Objective To evaluate evidence-based data on adjunctive glucocorticoid therapy in central nervous system bacterial infections. Design A literature review of studies, particularly controlled trials, that have evaluated dexamethasone therapy for acute bacterial meningitis and glucocorticoid therapy for tuberculous meningitis. Main Outcome Measures Clinical outcomes were mortality and morbidity rates. Morbidity involved sensorineural hearing loss and other neurologic deficits (motor or behavioral disturbances, epilepsy, cranial nerve palsy, hydrocephalus, and psychomotor retardation). Results The evidence-based data support adjunctive dexamethasone therapy for children with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis. However, the optimal duration of therapy is not defined. Data are supportive but not conclusive that dexamethasone benefits meningitis caused by other bacterial agents and meningitis in adults. The evidence-based data are supportive but not conclusive that adjunctive glucocorticoid therapy benefits patients with tuberculous meningitis, particularly those with more severe infection. Conclusions Although adjunctive glucocorticoid therapy may be beneficial in both acute bacterial meningitis and more severe tuberculous meningitis, there are conclusive data only for H influenzae meningitis in children. For acute bacterial meningitis, further studies are needed to clarify the optimal duration of dexamethasone therapy (2 vs 4 days), whether this therapy should be used routinely for adults with meningitis, and whether it should be used for pathogens other than H influenzae . For tuberculous meningitis, further studies are needed to provide conclusive evidence of benefit.
Sci—Thur PM: Planning & Delivery — 02: Treatment planning workflow for very high-energy electron beam radiotherapy

Purpose: To develop treatment planning workflow for rapid radiotherapy delivered with very-high energy electron (VHEE) scanning beam. Methods: VHEE radiotherapy treatment planning was performed by linking Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculations with inverse optimization in a research version of RayStation. In order to study a number of treatment parameters, a Matlab graphical user interface (GUI) for calculation of VHEE beamlet dose was developed. Through the GUI, EGSnrc MC simulations were run for a number of beam energies, number of beams, beamlet spot and grid sizes, and machine bore sizes. VHEE plans for a pediatric patient with a 4.3 cm3 brain target optimized with spot-scanning algorithm in RayStation were compared to the clinically delivered 6 MV VMAT plan. Results and Discussion: VHEE beam energy had the largest effect on the quality of dose distributions. For the same target dose, the mean doses to critical organs decreased by 10–15% when planned with 100 MeV compared to 60 MeV. VHEE plans calculated with 36 beams outperformed plans calculated with 13 and 17 beams. While beamlet spacing and bore size had a small effect on VHEE dose distributions, 0.1-3mm beamlet sizes resulted in identical dose distributions. Critical organ doses were by up to 70% lower in the best VHEE plan compared to the clinical 6 MV VMAT plan. Conclusions: We have developed a GUI for MC beamlet generation for treatment planning of VHEE radiotherapy. We have demonstrated that pediatric VHEE plans resulted in significant critical organ dose sparing compared to the clinical VMAT plan.
Depression-free day to utility-weighted score: is it valid?

Background:Cost-utility analyses using formulas to convert depression-free days (DFDs) to utility-weighted scores are increasingly common. These formulas are based on linear extrapolation of data documenting the correlation between depression symptom severity and generic health-related quality of li
Acute Aortic Insufficiency due to Ball Impaction in a “Close-Clearance” Starr-Edwards Aortic Prosthesis

Abstract The successful management is reported of a patient with acute aortic insufficiency of ten hours' duration due to ball impaction in a Starr-Edwards aortic prosthesis, Model 2310. The diagnosis can easily be established from the absence of prosthetic valve sounds and chest roentgenography or fluoroscopy demonstrating the titanium ball in the systolic position. Total prosthetic replacement as reported here is the treatment of choice.
Some calculational results using multi-color radiation inversion

Abstract The technique of determining temperature by calculating the blackbody curve that gives the ratio of almost monochromatic fluxes at two different wavelengths has been reinvestigated for laser machining applications. Error curves are given for various wavelength combinations, different amounts of background radiation contribution and for different material emissivities and atmospheric transmissions. For many realistic situations the errors are shown to be considerably less than 10% or about 60K.
Optimal estimating function for non-orthogonal model

Abstract In this note, a characterization of the optimal estimating function is given for a non-orthogonal model. Using the characterization, we give a closed form of the optimal estimating function under certain conditions. These results are applied to obtain the optimal estimating function for the estimation of mean and variance of a branching process with known skewness and kurtosis.
Superoxide dismutase attenuates effects of platelet-activating factor on gastric microcirculation

This study examined the effect of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) on platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced alterations of the gastric microcirculation. In separate experiments using an ex vivo canine gastric segment, changes in vascular resistance, filtration, and circulating neutrophil counts were measured during intra-arterial infusion of PAF (0.12 to 150 nM, n = 6) alone and with SOD (10 U/ml, n = 5). PAF produced dose-related increases in vascular resistance and filtration. SOD pretreatment attenuated changes in these measurements in response to 9 and 38 nM PAF. PAF also produced dose-related increases in the difference between arterial and venous neutrophil counts across the gastric segment. SOD significantly reduced this neutrophil flux at 0.5, 2, 9, and 38 nM PAF. Our results suggest that PAF causes both mucosal ischemia due to increased vascular resistance and microvascular injury as evidenced by increased filtration, as well as enhanced neutrophil adhesion to the microvasculature. The protective effects of SOD suggest that these responses to PAF involve the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals. In addition, these responses to PAF appear to be dependent upon circulating neutrophils.
Sec14p-like proteins regulate phosphoinositide homoeostasis and intracellular protein and lipid trafficking in yeast.

The major PI (phosphatidylinositol)/PC (phosphatidylcholine)-transfer protein in yeast, Sec14p, co-ordinates lipid metabolism with protein transport from the Golgi complex. Yeast also express five additional gene products that share 24–65% primary sequence identity with Sec14p. These Sec14p-like proteins are termed SFH (Sec Fourteen Homologue) proteins, and overexpression of certain individual SFH gene products rescues sec14-1 ts -associated growth and secretory defects. SFH proteins are atypical in that these stimulate the transfer of PI, but not PC, between distinct membrane bilayer systems in vitro . Further analysis reveals that SFH proteins functionally interact with the Stt4p phosphoinositide 4-kinase to stimulate PtdIns(4,5) P 2 synthesis which in turn activates phospholipase D. Finally, genetic analyses indicate that Sfh5p interfaces with the function of specific subunits of the exocyst complex as well as the yeast SNAP-25 (25 kDa synaptosome-associated protein) homologue, Sec9p. Our current view is that Sfh5p regulates PtdIns(4,5) P 2 homoeostasis at the plasma membrane, and that Sec9p responds to that regulation. Thus SFH proteins individually regulate specific aspects of lipid metabolism that couple, with exquisite specificity, with key cellular functions.
The Conventional CD4+T Cell Response to Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Is Modified by Its Superantigenic Activity

Abstract Because of the massive cytokine response elicited by superantigen exposure, it has been suggested that superantigens may act as adjuvants to boost conventional antigen responses. However, most previous studies have shown thatin vivoexposure to superantigen suppressed subsequent T cell responses. Here we analyzed the effect of the superantigen Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) on a concurrent CD4+immune response to a conventional antigen, an I-Ab-restricted epitope derived from the same protein (SEB127–142). Heat-inactivated SEB, which had lost all superantigenic activity, was capable of eliciting a strong CD4+proliferative T cell response to SEB127–142. In contrast, native SEB was relatively nonimmunogenic, even when administered in association with complete Freund's adjuvant. High doses of native SEB coadministered with heat-inactivated SEB had no effect on the peptide response. However, low doses of native SEB were able to strongly enhance the ability of inactive SEB to prime CD4+T cells to SEB127–142. Thus, SEB is not always immunosuppressive, and low doses may actually enhance a concurrent immune response. Also, the contribution of Vβ8+/CD4+T cells to peptide reactivity was not affected by the presence of low doses of native SEB, suggesting that the enhanced reactivity was not a Vβ-specific effect of SEB, but was cytokine-mediated.
Communication in context: Effects of speaker status on the comprehension of indirect requests.

Four experiments were conducted to examine how a speaker's status can affect the comprehension of conventional and nonconventional indirect requests. The processing of conventional forms was not affected by the speaker's relative status, and consistent with past research (R. W. Gibbs, 1983), these forms were recognized quickly and without the hearer recognizing and then rejecting the literal meaning of the remark. In contrast, processing of nonconventional forms was affected by speaker status. When the interactants were equal in status, the comprehension of nonconventional forms was time-consuming and involved activation of the remark's literal meaning. This did not occur when the speaker was higher in status than the hearer. Results illustrate the role played by the interpersonal context in the comprehension of certain indirect requests.
Reaction-diffusion instability in a sheared medium

Abstract The stability characteristics of a model reaction—diffusion system are significantly altered by the imposition of a shearing motion of the medium.
Measurement of Neonatal Responses to Painful Stimuli: A Research Review

The measurement of neonatal responses to painful stimuli remains a significant clinical problem. Although numerous measures have been evaluated, instruments that are valid, reliable, and clinically feasible are not yet available. The purpose of this paper is to critique the studies that have been done using biochemical, physiological, and behavioral measures to evaluate neonatal responses to painful stimuli. Specific issues regarding measurement in premature and critically ill neonates are emphasized. The intent of this review and critique of the literature is to stimulate additional research into the assessment of neonatal pain.
Perturbation of cell cycle kinetics in the mammary gland by stilbene estrogen, diethylstilbestrol (DES)

In the present study we have examined the effect of stilbene estrogen on the proliferative activity, cell cycle kinetics and the differentiation of the mammary gland of female Noble rats. The exposure of animals to stilbene estrogen (diethylstilbestrol) or natural estrogen (estrone) (10 μg/24 h) significantly increased proliferation in mammary epithelial cells. Both labeling index and growth fraction were increased by DES or estrone treatment. In addition, both stilbene and natural estrogen exposure altered cell cycle kinetics. Stilbene estrogen exposure to animals increased the conversion of mammary epithelial cells from G0 to G1 and G1 to S-phase cells by 8.3- and 8.5-fold, respectively, compared to that of control. Differentiation measured by the degree of lobular maturation revealed that the conversion of immature structures to mature structures was significantly increased by 2.4-fold in response to DES or estrone exposure compared to that of control. Perturbation of cell cycle is considered as a risk factor for the development of cancer. Changes in proliferation and cell cycle have been shown to lead to genetic instability, ultimately resulting in cell transformation. Our results indicated an increase in labeling index and growth fraction and a perturbation in cell cycle kinetics from DES or estrone exposure. Perturbation of cell cycle in response to stilbene estrogen exposure may produce adverse effects in the mammary glands of the Noble rats.
Measures and Markers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of spinal and cortical motor neurons, leading to progressive weakness and ultimately, death. Clinically, there appears to be an anatomic focus at disease onset, from which the disease then spreads. Because the focus of initial symptoms and the subsequent direction of spread can vary from patient to patient, disease monitoring is difficult, especially in a clinical trial, in which outcome measures must be identical and able to capture progression of all types. Thus, the search for markers of disease progression is especially important in ALS. Many approaches have been taken, from voluntary strength assessment and functional rating scales to physiological and pathological sampling of affected portions of nervous system. No proposed marker has been demonstrated to meet the desired criteria of biological meaning, sensitivity to disease progression, clear relationship to overall prognosis and survival, and ease of measurement. However, progress is being made in all of these regards.
Objectivity and its Discontents: Knowledge Advocacy in the Sally Hemings Controversy

The sociology of knowledge, derived from research on the hard sciences, overlooks the potential for outsiders to determine the content of knowledge within professional disciplines. Using the case of the Sally Hemings affair, I introduce the concept of "knowledge advocacy" to analyze how outside groups shape historical knowledge. The Hemings controversy involved not only historical evidence, but also the understanding of objectivity in historical research. Unfolding against the backdrop of the professionalization of history, outside advocates successfully challenged the discipline's understanding of "objectivity as neutrality" eventually embracing "objectivity as the scientific method" in their appeal to DNA testing. This study illuminates the strategic interplay between professional historians and outsiders engaged in knowledge advocacy, the role of objectivity in this struggle, and the potential vulnerability a discipline faces when the ideal of objectivity is compromised.
Model-based labeling, analysis, and three-dimensional visualization from two-dimensional medical images

The computerized analysis and interpretation of three-dimensional medical images is of significant interest for diagnosis as well as for studying pathological processes. Knowledge-based image analysis and interpretation of radiological images can provide a tool for identifying and labeling each part of the image. The authors have developed a knowledge-based biomedical image analysis system for interpreting medical images using an anatomical knowledge base of the appropriate organs. In this paper, the structure of the biomedical image analysis system, along with results from the analysis of images of the human chest cavity, are presented. This approach utilizes an image analysis system with the capability of analyzing the data in both bottom-up (or data driven) and top-down (or model driven) modes to improve the recognition process. After an initial identification is achieved, segmented regions are aggregated and features for these aggregates are recomputed and matched to the model. This process continues until a 'best' match is found for the subject model region. Initial results are encouraging; however, much work remains to be done.
The Effect of Compressive Damage on Tensile Loading Failure of Titanium 6Al-4V

In order to explore the belief that total strain energy accumulation during monotonic tensile fracture is a universal damage parameter, the effect of compressive preloads on specimens failed via tensile loading is analyzed. The motivation behind this analysis is due to the theory of an energy-based life prediction model, which states that the total strain energy required for monotonic tensile fracture is defined as the physical damage quantity for the fatigue lifing model. Two things are observed in order to determine the effects of a compressive preload on tensile monotonic fracture. First, the compressive work is viewed as accumulated damage, thus adding to the total work necessary for failure. Second, tensile works of fractured specimens with and without stored compressive energy are compared to see if the damage parameter is affected. The analysis is conducted through experimental data acquisition from round stock Titanium 6Al-4V dogbone specimens. The results from this study show that compressive damage has a negligible effect on monotonic tensile work to fracture, and combined half-cycle tension and compression preloads have an unnoticeable effect on the tensile work of the final pull to fracture. These results contradict the theory and research validations of the energy-based predictions; however, they provide a platform for future efforts to understand the strain energy correlation between monotonic, low cycle and high cycle failures.© 2012 ASME
Skin testing in farmers' lung disease

Abstract Intradermal skin tests with a culture filtrate antigen of Micropolyspora faeni grown on a synthetic medium were performed on patients with farmers' lung disease (FLD) and well farmers with and without antibodies to a panel of FLD antigens. Seventy-five percent of the FLD patients, 79% of the well farmers with M. faeni antibody, and 5% of well farmers without M. faeni antibody had a 2+ or greater intradermal immediate skin-test reaction. Prausnitz-Kustner (P-K) reactions were positive using serum of M. faeni immediate skin test-positive FLD patients. IgG-rich fractions from a staphylococcal protein A-Sepharose column of such serum contained the sensitizing factor whereas IgG-depleted fractions did not. M. faeni —specific IgE could not be detected in serum by a polystyrene radioimmunoassay. Positive late-onset (6-hr) skin tests occurred only in FLD patients and farmers with precipitating antibody. Biopsy specimens of the 6-hr reactions revealed a generalized dermal and perivascular polymorphonuclear infiltrate with deposits of immunoglobulin and complement about blood vessels. The skin-sensitizing factor noted in FLD patients and well farmers with antibody is not disease specific. This factor appears to be associated with the IgG-rich fraction of serum, and its role in the pathogenesis of FLD is unclear.
Amplified light scattering and emission of silver and silver core–silica shell particles

Abstract Side versus forward light scattergrams, and fluorescence (488 nm excitation) intensity versus particle count histograms were gathered for bare, R6G-coated, and silica–R6G-coated silver particles of 150–200 nm diameter, one-by-one by flow cytometry. Fluorescence emission intensity of the composite particles monotonically increased and then reached a plateau with greater R6G concentrations, as measured by flow cytometry. Fluorescence amplification factors of up to 3.5 × 10 3 were estimated by reference to measurements on core–shell particles with silica instead of silver cores. Huge surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) intensities, at least 1014-fold greater than normal Raman scattering intensities, were observed with 633 nm excitation for molecules such as rhodamine 6G (R6G) on the same single particles of silver. Although routine transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopies showed gross structures of the bare and coated particles, high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), revealed Brownian roughness describing quantum size and larger structures on the surface of primary colloidal silver particles. These silver particles were further characterized by extinction spectra and zeta potentials. Structural and light scattering observations that are reported herein were used to tentatively propose a new hierarchical model for the mechanism of SERS.
Mixed-effects Modeling of the Interspecies Pharmacokinetic Scaling of Oxytetracycline

Differences in the disposition of certain drugs across mammalian species often arise because of their diverse physiology and anatomical characteristics. Factors such as body mass, brain weight, and maximum lifespan are related to the way that different species of mammals handle drugs. Drug disposition data can be scaled across species when chronological time is substituted by the appropriate measure of pharmacokinetic time. In this study, we developed allometric scaling models for oxytetracycline, using serum disposition data obtained from the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank. The data were modeled using the mixed-effects modeling approach. The models obtained were validated using disposition data on swine. Oxytetracycline scaled across species based on body weight and the best interspecies model adequately predicted the value of the pharmacokinetic parameters across species. The population approach allows one to estimate the allometric coefficients and exponents of the pharmacokinetic parameters to obtain a model that best fits the multi-species pooled concentration-time data. Furthermore, this approach allows decisions to be made based on the statistical significance of the parameter estimates and the adequacy of the models that are not possible with traditional approaches.
Design of low cost ROM based test generators

A data compression technique for ROM based built-in test generators of combinational circuits is described. Some of the test pattern bits are computed using the reduced data stored in the ROM combined with the address bits accessing the ROM. Some experimental results are presented for ISCAS benchmark circuits and random data. >
Overview of the management of pediatric heart failure

Abstract For the most part of this the century heart failure syndrome was understood as a pump failure disorder with hemodynamic consequences stemming from the same myocardial dysfunction. In addition supply and demand theories were used to explain the nature of symptoms. As a result, therapeutic strategies were directed at correcting the abnormal hemodynamic conditions and normalizing the delivery of the much needed nutrients. Improvement of cardiac pump function with inotropic drugs and abnormal circulatory conditions with afterload and preload modifications became therapeutic goals and standards of care. However, while vasodilators and inotropic drugs immediately improved symptoms, hemodynamics and functional status, in the long term they either did not affect or worsen the natural history of heart failure. In pediatrics, this is further complicated by the lack of large scale trials addressing issues pertinent to the particularities that affect heart failure in children. In the late 1980s and 1990s heart failure has evolved into a more complex, multiple and interactive pathophysiologic disorder. Today not only the abnormal hemodynamics but also the biological disorders are pharmacologic targets. The reversal or slowing of myocardial maladaptation has become one of the most important therapeutic goals. With this end in mind therapeutic strategies may seem counterintuitive and paradoxical, such as the use of β-blockers. This review will address the current thinking and therapeutic modalities used today in the treatment of heart failure syndrome in the adult population. We also discuss some of the issues why we think that these principles can be extrapolated to the pediatric population.
Design of a modular tetrameric scaffold for the synthesis of membrane-localized D-peptide inhibitors of HIV-1 entry

The highly conserved HIV-1 gp41 "pocket" region is a promising target for inhibiting viral entry. PIE12-trimer is a protease-resistant trimeric d-peptide inhibitor that binds to this pocket and potently blocks HIV entry. PIE12-trimer also possesses a reserve of binding energy that provides it with a strong genetic barrier to resistance ("resistance capacitor"). Here, we report the design of a modular scaffold employing PEGs of discrete lengths for the efficient optimization and synthesis of PIE12-trimer. This scaffold also allows us to conjugate PIE12-trimer to several membrane-localizing cargoes, resulting in dramatically improved potency and retention of PIE12-trimer's ability to absorb the impact of resistance mutations. This scaffold design strategy should be of broad utility for the rapid prototyping of multimeric peptide inhibitors attached to potency- or pharmacokinetics-enhancing groups.
Small Heat-Shock Proteins Select ΔF508-CFTR for Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Degradation

Secreted proteins that fail to achieve their native conformations, such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and particularly the ΔF508-CFTR variant can be selected for endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) by molecular chaperones. Because the message corresponding to HSP26, which encodes a small heat-shock protein (sHsp) in yeast was up-regulated in response to CFTR expression, we examined the impact of sHsps on ERAD. First, we observed that CFTR was completely stabilized in cells lacking two partially redundant sHsps, Hsp26p and Hsp42p. Interestingly, the ERAD of a soluble and a related integral membrane protein were unaffected in yeast deleted for the genes encoding these sHsps, and CFTR polyubiquitination was also unaltered, suggesting that Hsp26p/Hsp42p are not essential for polyubiquitination. Next, we discovered that ΔF508-CFTR degradation was enhanced when a mammalian sHsp, αA-crystallin, was overexpressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, but wild-type CFTR biogenesis was unchanged. Because αA-crystallin interacted preferentially with ΔF508-CFTR and because purified αA-crystallin suppressed the aggregation of the first nucleotide-binding domain of CFTR, we suggest that sHsps maintain the solubility of ΔF508-CFTR during the ERAD of this polypeptide.
Renaissance and Modern Thought on the Last Things: A Study in Changing Conceptions

Of the changes that have taken place in theology since the Renaissance, none is more striking than the re-interpretation of the Mosaic account of the creation and fall of man, which has passed from the realm of history to that of ‘myth.’ Equally impressive, however, are the changes that have taken place in eschatology. This disagreement with our ancestors is not revolutionary on every point, since at least one fundamental idea, affirmed by George Hakewill in the earlier seventeenth century, still holds true. “That the world shall haue an end,” wrote Hakewill, “is as cleere to Christianity, as that there is a Sun in the firmament: And therefore, whereas there can hardly be named any other article of our faith, which some Heretiques haue not presumed to impugne or call into question; yet to my remembrance I never met with any who questioned this; & though at this day many & eager be the differences among Christians in other points of Religion, yet in this they all agree & ever did, that the world shall haue an end.” If on this, however, all Christians are agreed, the exact time of the Day of the Lord has been the subject of speculation ever since the advent of Christianity, not to mention Jewish apocalyptic thought.
An adaptive network prefetch scheme

In this paper, we present an adaptive prefetch scheme for network use, in which we download files that will very likely be requested in the near future, based on the user access history and the network conditions. Our prefetch scheme consists of two parts: a prediction module and a threshold module. In the prediction module, we estimate the probability with which each file will be requested in the near future. In the threshold module, we compute the prefetch threshold for each related server, the idea being that the access probability is compared to the prefetch threshold. An important contribution of this paper is that we derive a formula for the prefetch threshold to determine its value dynamically based on system load, capacity, and the cost of time and system resources to the user. We also show that by prefetching those files whose access probability is greater than or equal to its server's prefetch threshold, a lower average cost can always be achieved. As an example, we present a prediction algorithm for web browsing. Simulations of this prediction algorithm show that, by using access information from the client, we can achieve high successful prediction rates, while using that from the server generally results in more hits.
Simulated characterization of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries by measurement of bioimpedance

FEM software was used to determine the feasibility of characterizing various types of atherosclerotic lesions in vivo. This was accomplished by simulating two electrodes as being attached to an angioplasty balloon in the coronary artery. The electrodes on the "balloon" touched and measured the simulated complex impedance of type III, IV, and Va and Vb lesions, as defined by the American Heart Association (AHA). Additionally, the effect of changes in morphology on the complex impedance was determined for type Va and Vb lesions. The simulations showed that the layer closest to the electrodes had the most significant effect on the measured complex impedance. As a consequence of these simulations, it appears plausible that electrodes could be placed in vivo to determine the characteristics and type of a given atherosclerotic lesion.
Black Seminoles in the Bahamas

Black Seminoles in the Bahamas. Rosalyn Howard. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 2002. xvii. 150 pp. (Cloth US$55.00)
Acute effects of aerobic exercise and Hatha yoga on craving to smoke.

Introduction Recent studies have examined the effects of physical activity on craving to smoke and smoking withdrawal. The current study was designed to compare and contrast the effects of 2 different forms of physical activity on general and cue-elicited craving to smoke. Methods Following 1-hr nicotine abstinence, 76 daily smokers were randomly assigned to engage in a 30-min bout of cardiovascular exercise (CE; brisk walk on a treadmill), Hatha yoga (HY), or a nonactivity control condition. Participants completed measures of craving and mood, and a smoking cue reactivity assessment, before, immediately following, and approximately 20 min after the physical activity or control conditions. Results Compared with the control condition, participants in each of the physical activity groups reported a decrease in craving to smoke, an increase in positive affect, and a decrease in negative affect. In addition, craving in response to smoking cues was specifically reduced among those who engaged in CE, whereas those who engaged in HY reported a general decrease in cravings. Conclusions This study provides further support for the use of exercise bouts for attenuating cigarette cravings during temporary nicotine abstinence. Results also suggest that CE can attenuate cravings in response to smoking cues. There are several areas for further research that may improve integration of exercise within smoking cessation treatment.
Modeling of graded and multilayer ferroelectrics: Dielectric and piezoelectric response

Graded ferroelectrics and ferroelectric multilayers have received great interest as active elements in tunable microwave devices and piezoelectric actuators/sensors. There have been a number of experimental studies that show that these materials have many peculiar properties that cannot be described by a simple series connection of the individual layers that make up the heterostructures. A thermodynamic analysis is presented to demonstrate that ferroelectric multilayers interact through internal elastic, electrical, and electromechanical fields and the ?strength? of the coupling can be quantitatively described using Landau theory of phase transformations, theory of elasticity, and principles of electrostatics. In addition to broken spatial inversion symmetry that can lead to asymmetric thermodynamic potentials, the modeling indicates that the electrostatic coupling between the layers leads to the suppression of ferroelectricity at a critical paraelectric layer thickness for ferroelectric-paraelectric bilayers. This bilayer is expected to have a colossal dielectric/piezoelectric response similar to the anomaly near Curie-Weiss temperature in homogeneous ferroelectrics at this critical thickness. This behavior has the characteristics of a ?phase transformation.? The relative thicknesses of the layers can be used as a design parameter for bilayer, multilayers, and graded heterostructures. We present numerical results on the dielectric and piezoelectric response of BaTiO3/SrTiO3 bilayers, and graded BaTiO3-SrTiO3 (BST) and PbZrO3-PbTiO3 (PZT) compounds.
A peak power tracker for small wind turbines in battery charging applications

This paper describes the design, implementation and testing of a prototype version of a peak power tracking system for small wind turbines in battery charging applications. The causes for the poor performance of small wind turbines in battery charging applications are explained and previously proposed configurations to increase the power output of the wind turbines are discussed. Through computer modeling of the steady-state operation the potential performance gain of the proposed system in comparison with existing systems is calculated. It is shown that one configuration consisting of reactive compensation by capacitors and a DC/DC converter is able to optimally load the wind turbine and thus obtain maximum energy capture over the whole range of wind speeds. A proof of concept of the peak power tracking system is provided by building and testing a prototype version. The peak power tracking system is tested in combination with a typical small wind turbine generator on a dynamometer. Steady-state operating curves confirming the performance improvement predicted by calculations are presented.
THE ENHANCED ROLE OF WATER CONSERVATION IN THE COST‐BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF WATER PROJECTS

The concept of water conservation has increased in importance because of revisions in the rules and procedures for performing cost-benefit analyses of federal water projects. These revisions include a requirement that nonstructural and water conservation measures be incorporated into economic assessments of projects. Project analyses will now proceed as if water supplies were allocated “most effectively,” that is, to their highest valued uses. A related requirement provides that the net benefits of any project should now be valued using willingness to pay measures. A specific cost-benefit methodology accommodating the revisions is constructed and discussed. Informational requirements for applying this methodology are identified. In addition to being consistent with federal mandates, this technique offers important advantages over the traditional “requirements” approach to water supply planning.
Managing scientific software complexity with Bocca and CCA

In high-performance scientific software development, the emphasis is often on short time to first solution. Even when the development of new components mostly reuses existing components or libraries and only small amounts of new code must be created, dealing with the component glue code and software build processes to obtain complete applications is still tedious and error-prone. Component-based software meant to reduce complexity at the application level increases complexity to the extent that the user must learn and remember the interfaces and conventions of the component model itself. To address these needs, we introduce Bocca, the first tool to enable application developers to perform rapid component prototyping while maintaining robust software-engineering practices suitable to HPC environments. Bocca provides project management and a comprehensive build environment for creating and managing applications composed of Common Component Architecture components. Of critical importance for high-performance computing (HPC) applications, Bocca is designed to operate in a language-agnostic way, simultaneously handling components written in any of the languages commonly used in scientific applications: C, C++, Fortran, Python and Java. Bocca automates the tasks related to the component glue code, freeing the user to focus on the scientific aspects of the application. Bocca embraces the philosophy pioneered by Ruby on Rails for web applications: start with something that works, and evolve it to the user's purpose.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis for the measurement of human body composition: Where do we stand and what is the next step?

The measurement of human body composition has been subject to a dramatic paradigm shift during the last decade. Until recently, there were three primary methods of measuring body composition: densitometry by underwater weighing, total body water by isotope dilution. and total body potassium by @K counting. To use any of these methods generally required that the investigator first build the necessary apparatus. then internally validate the resulting apparatus. Moreover, measurement of the human body using these methods involved a relatively straightforward measured parameter, such as density, total 40K, or total body water, which was then related to body composition by a generally agreed upon equation relating the primary variable to a two-compartment model of fat and fatfree mass. This do-it-yourself mode of operation limited the number of centers at which body composition could be measured, but it simplified the task, generating a consensus regarding the application of these methodologies. In contrast, the last decade has been marked by the commercialization of new body composition techniques such as dual x-ray absorptiometry, infrared interactance, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Complete, operational instruments can be purchased and set up wherever adequate floor space is available. These instruments are also likely to include data systems that perform the body composition calculations and may not even print out the primary data. Even when the primary data is viewed, many of the computational packages employ a coqplicated or unknown formula that makes it difficult to comprehend the relationship between the primary data and the subject’s body composition. The commercialization of body composition analysis has lead to a dramatic expansion of the number of centers at which body composition measurements are being made, as well as a similar expansion in the number and types of applications. For example, during the last 4 y, there
Thoracoscopic Decortication as First-Line Therapy for Pediatric Parapneumonic Empyema: A Case Series

Study objectives: Previous articles have promoted the early use of thoracotomy and decortication for refractory empyema. This study examines thoracoscopy and decortication at the time of initial chest tube placement in pediatric patients with parapneumonic empyema. Design: We reviewed the medical records of 16 consecutive patients who were children with parapneumonic empyema. Results: Thirteen children (group 1) underwent thoracoscopic decortication and tube thoracostomy as their initial operative procedures; 3 children (group 2) had tube thoracostomy alone. In both groups, chest tubes were removed prior to their discharge to home. The mean (6 SD) operative time for thoracoscopy was 81 6 19 min with no complications. On average, chest tubes were removed by postoperative day 4. The mean time to discharge was 8.3 days. Two children eventually required lobectomy. The mean operative time for chest tube placement alone was 21 6 3 min. Children required chest tube drainage for an average of 12.3 days. The mean time to discharge was 16.6 days. Two patients required a total of five additional operative procedures, including two additional chest tube placements, two open decortications, and one lobectomy. Conclusions: Thoracoscopic decortication is effective in the early treatment of pediatric parapneumonic empyema. It facilitates visualization, evacuation, and mechanical decortication of the pleural space with no additional morbidity and may lead to reduced time for chest tube drainage, shorter hospitalization, and more rapid clinical recovery. (CHEST 2000; 118:24 ‐27)
Polynomials that Vanish on Distinct $n$th Roots of Unity

Let ${\bf C}$ denote the field of complex numbers and $\Omega_n$ the set of $n$th roots of unity. For $t = 0,\ldots,n-1$, define the ideal $\Im(n,t+1) \subset {\bf C}[x_0,\ldots,x_{t}]$ consisting of those polynomials in $t+1$ variables that vanish on distinct $n$th roots of unity; that is, $f \in \Im(n,t+1)$ if and only if $f(\omega_0,\ldots,\omega_{t}) = 0$ for all $(\omega_0,\ldots,\omega_{t}) \in \Omega_n^{t+1}$ satisfying $\omega_i \neq \omega_j$, for $0 \le i < j \le t$.In this paper we apply Grobner basis methods to give a Combinatorial Nullstellensatz characterization of the ideal $\Im(n,t+1)$. In particular, if $f \in {\bf C}[x_0,\ldots,x_{t}]$, then we give a necessary and sufficient condition on the coefficients of $f$ for membership in $\Im(n,t+1)$.
The Functional Approach in Political Geography

(1950). The Functional Approach in Political Geography. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 40, No. 2, pp. 95-130.
Building Simulations from the Ground-Up: Modeling and Theory in Systems Biology

In this article, we provide a case study examining how integrative systems biologists build simulation models in the absence of a theoretical base. Lacking theoretical starting points, integrative systems biology researchers rely cognitively on the model-building process to disentangle and understand complex biochemical systems. They build simulations from the ground up in a nest-like fashion, by pulling together information and techniques from a variety of possible sources and experimenting with different structures in order to discover a stable, robust result. Finally, we analyze the alternative role and meaning theory has in systems biology expressed as canonical template theories like Biochemical Systems Theory.
Heterojunction formation between zinc oxide nanowire array and Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles for 3-dimensional nanostructured solar cells

Solar devices relying on nanostructured materials are very attractive due to their 0 and 1D properties, additionally there is a perpetual demand for new solar cell devices with green and low cost properties. Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) chalcopyrite semiconductor due to the abundance and low cost of its precursors is an ideal candidate for 3D nanostrucutured solar cells. In this work, CZTS nanocrystals were synthesized by pulsed laser deposition technique (PLD), and simultaneously deposited in the interstitial space of pre-fabricated zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires array to form an heterojunction 3D solar device.
Greening the Corporation: Management Strategy and the Environmental Challenge

The article reviews the book “Greening the Corporation: Management Strategy and the Environmental Challenge,” by Thayer Robbins Peter.
Endoscopic Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography for Bladder Cancer Diagnosis

We report a newly developed endoscopic OCT system which incorporates Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography and MEMS mirror for endoscopic laser scanning to improve the frame rate and the dynamic range of the imaging system.
New Species Belonging to the Genera Amblyseius and Amblyseiopsis with Keys to Amblyseius, Amblyseiopsis, and Phytoseiulus

Several genera of Phytoseiidae are known from the United States. All or most of them are predators of Tetranychidae (spider mites), Eriophyidae, (gall mites), Tarsonemidac or related groups. A few are plant feeders. The genera studied are closely related to Typhlodromus (Seius, Seiulus, Iphidulus) but differ chiefly in the comparative length of dorsal, lateral and leg setae.
Further Steps towards a Theory of Descriptions as Predicates

Descriptions are predicates. Here, I'll take this to mean either of two basically equivalent things: that they have extensions as their semantic values, sets of entities, in the broadest sense; or that they have type-〈e,t〉 functions as their semantic values, functions from entities, in the broadest sense, to truth values. An entity in the broadest sense is anything that can be the subject of a first-order predication. Examples are individuals (such as my cat Trinidad), pluralities (such as my cats Trinidad, Seneca, and Seymour), masses (such as some cat food), and kinds (such as the cat breed korat). Here I'm including entities in this broadest sense because my thesis that descriptions are predicates applies to all sorts of descriptions: singular descriptions (‘the cat’), plural definite descriptions (‘the cats’), mass descriptions (‘the cat food’), kind descriptions (‘the korat’), and indefinite descriptions as well.
Medications for treatment of interstitial cystitis.

There are no long-term clinically effective oral medications. Pentosan (Elmiron) can improve overall symptom scores for interstitial cystitis over three to six months, but it does not improve scores for any of three individual symptoms (dysuria, urgency, frequency) compared with placebo.
Comparative Politics and Area Specialization: The Hidden Costs of Analytic Transparency

New transparency initiatives emerging from Western political science make an ill-fitting standard for global comparativists who serve as experts in countries and regions—that is, area specialists. This study explores the origins of the current push for greater research transparency, including its underlying norms and genesis in the natural sciences. Noting its strict adherence to a model of deductive proceduralism, I then show how area-focused comparative political scholarship clashes with newfound demands for analytic transparency due to fundamental differences in its real-world practice—that is, how explanations are constructed and evidence is analyzed. Rather than a linear step-by-step approach emphasizing hypothesis confirmation, much area studies work thrives through iterative engagements between theory and evidence in which researchers craft persuasive explanations by repeatedly revising propositions, reconsidering data, and questioning assumptions over time. Squaring this reality with the idealization of enhanced transparency means one of two things: the diminishment of area studies within comparative politics, or the collective lying of many scholars when it comes to divulging how they came to their ultimate causal conclusions.
A horned dinosaur from the El Picacho Formation of West Texas, and review of ceratopsian dinosaurs from the American Southwest

Fragmentary remains of a long-frilled ceratopsian dinosaur from the El Picacho Formation (Maastrichtian) of West Texas pertain to an undescribed form. The remains are, however, insufficient to fully characterize this species. This ceratopsian has long thick squamosals with marginal undulations, nasals lacking a discrete horncore, a thin parietal, and large trihedral epijugals. The braincase has very thick lateral walls, and a well-developed postfrontal foramen. Four species of horned dinosaurs are known from Upper Cretaceous strata of the American Southwest: Pentaceratops sternbergii, Chasmosaurus mariscalensis, Torosaurus utahensis, and the El Picacho ceratopsian. All of these belong to the subfamily Chasmosaurinae.