cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiation hydrodynamics with backscatter and beam spray in gas filled hohlraum experiments at the National Ignition Facility

Several experiments using either CO 2 or propane gas filled halfraums [i.e. hohlraums with a single laser entry hole (LEH)] have been shot at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in a joint LosAlamos/Livermore collaboration. The experiments have been modeled by the Lasnex code. The possibility of beam spray due to filamentation of the incident laser beam is assessed through simulations which parametrically decrease the f-number of the beam at times of high intensity. The uncertainty in heat transport is evaluated through parametric variations in the electron thermal flux limit (fe). Each calculation in the resulting two parameter set is post-processed to simulate outputs which can be compared with Dante detector results for the soft X-ray flux through the LEH, and gated, framed images of hard X-rays (FXI) through the hohlraum side walls. Simulations which well match the data for both gases indicate that the laser energy is penetrating the gas filled hohlraum even towards the end of the pulse. This suggests that the gas fill is useful in keeping the hohlraum open to laser energy throughout the pulse.
Proton-bound homodimers: how are the binding energies related to proton affinities?

High-level quantum chemical calculations [G3(MP2)-RAD//MP2/6-31+G(d,p)] have been employed to investigate the relationship between the binding energy (BE) of a substrate (X) and its protonated form [H−X]+ with the proton affinity (PA) of the substrate (X) in several series of protonated homodimers ([X···H−X]+). We find that for each series of closely related substrates, the binding energy (BE) is correlated with the proton affinity (PA) in an approximately quadratic manner. Thus, for a given series, the BE initially increases in magnitude with increasing PA, reaches a point of maximum binding, and then becomes smaller as the PA increases further. This behavior can be attributed to the competing effects of the exothermic partial protonation of the substrate and the endothermic partial deprotonation of the protonated substrate. As the PA increases, protonation of X contributes to increased binding but the penalty for partial deprotonation of [H−X]+ also increases. Once the PA becomes sufficiently high, the ...
On the activation energy for the hydrolysis of bis-(2-chloroethyl) sulfide

Abstract Mustard, bis-(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, hydrolyzes to form the mustard chlorohydrin with concomitant loss of chloride; the chlorohydrin subsequently hydrolyzes to form the mustard diglycol with loss of another chloride ion. The kinetics of these reactions constitutes two consecutive, irreversible reactions. Past investigators approximated the hydrolysis as a single, first-order reaction from which an activation energy was determined. Bartlett and Swain measured the rate of mustard chlorohydrin hydrolysis after which they could determine the rate of mustard hydrolysis with a graphical method. Bartlett and Swain performed their experiments at 25°C, so no activation parameters were measured. A non-linear least-squares program was modified to fit consecutive, irreversible first-order kinetics and refit original data for mustard hydrolysis in order to find activation parameters for each step. The data failed to conform to consecutive, first-order kinetics suggesting that either sampling error or failure to dissolve rapidly interfered with the kinetics. Thus, the activation parameters for mustard hydrolysis are incorrect not only for the single-step approximation, but also because systematic experimental errors must be present. Rate coefficients computed with Bartlett and Swain's data were statistically equivalent to their reported value of 0.155 min −1 .
Nanocapsules for self-healing materials

Abstract We report an in situ encapsulation method demonstrating over an order of magnitude size reduction for the preparation of urea–formaldehyde (UF) capsules filled with a healing agent, dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). Capsules with diameters as small as 220 nm are achieved using sonication techniques and an ultrahydrophobe to stabilize the DCPD droplets. The capsules possess a uniform UF shell wall (77 nm average thickness) and display good thermal stability. By controlling the ζ-potential, the capsules are uniformly dispersed in an epoxy matrix and shown to cleave rather than debond upon fracture of the matrix. Mechanical properties of the epoxy/capsule composite, including mode-I fracture toughness, elastic modulus, and ultimate tensile strength are measured and compared to previous data for larger capsules (ca. 180 μm).
Ambient rhetoric: The attunements of rhetorical being

Rhetorical theory since the affect turn has developed something of an environmentalist sensibility: the nonhuman world has acquired persuasive energy; agency has been dispersed across individuals, ...
Neuroglandular synapses in the pharynx of the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida (Cnidaria, Anthozoa).

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the pharynx of the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida revealed a heavily ciliated epidermis and two types of gland cells not known previously to be innervated. By tracing serial cross sections of the pharynx, we located and characterized two types of neuroglandular synapses (i.e., those having clear vesicles and those with dense-cored vesicles). The diameters of the vesicles at each synapse were averaged; clear vesicles ranged from 70 to 103 nm in diameter and were observed at synapses to both mucous and zymogenic gland cells. Dense-cored vesicles ranged from 53 to 85 nm in diameter and were observed at synapses to two mucous gland cells. One mucous gland cell had three neuroglandular synapses, one with clear vesicles and two with dense-cored vesicles. The occurrence of either clear or dense-cored vesicles at neuroglandular synapses suggests that at least two types of neurotransmitter substances control the secretion of mucus in the sea anemone pharynx. To date, only clear vesicles have been observed at a neurozymogenic gland cell synapse in the pharynx. No evidence of immunoreactivity to phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase was observed at neuroglandular synapses, suggesting that adrenaline is not a transmitter in the pharynx of A. pallida. J. Morphol. 247:134–141, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Immune Neutrality of Calf Skin Collagen Gel Used to Stimulate Revitalization in Pulpless Open Apex Teeth of Rhesus Monkeys

A collagen mineral gel has recently been shown to stimulate revitalization of pulpless open apex teeth when syringed into debrided root canals. Experiments were conducted to examine possible stimulation of the immune system by the experimental procedure. Ring tests (interface precipitation analysis), Ouchterlony plates and hemagglutination tests on plasma samples taken from experimental rhesus monkeys throughout the healing process indicate a complete lack of humoral immune responsiveness to the injected collagen.
Software technology payoff: Some statistical evidence

A statistical analysis was conducted of structured programming and programmer performance, with productivity measured as lines of code per man-month. The study findings support the following productivity hypotheses: 1.(1) Increasing the complexity of programming projects tends to lower productivity. 2.(2) The use of structured programming results in increased productivity. 3.(3) Structured programming technology has the highest payoff for severely constrained complex projects, the improvement ranging from 200% to over 600% as compared to similar projects using conventional technology. The study tends to rule out the possibility that the following factors could be responsible for the higher productivity of projects using structured programming: 1.(1) the application of structured programming only to less complex, less constrained projects that would be likely to exhibit higher productivity anyway; 2.(2) the assignment of more experienced programmers, who would probably exhibit higher productivity, to projects using structured programming; and 3.(3) a ''code explosion'' (an increase in the number of lines of code produced due to the tabular format of structured programs).
A Method for Identifying Software Requirements Based on Policy Commitments

Online policy documents—such as privacy policies, notices of privacy practices, and terms of use—describe organizations’ information practices for collecting, storing, and using consumers’ personal information. Organizations need to ensure that the commitments they express in their policy documents reflect their actual business practices. This compliance is significant in the United States where the Federal Trade Commission regulates fair business practices. Therefore, the requirements engineers developing systems for organizations need to understand the policy documents in order to know the information practices with which the software must comply. The requirements engineers also must ensure that the commitments expressed in these policy documents are incorporated into the software requirements. In this paper, we present a summative case study of a commitment analysis approach. The approach was developed during a formative case study of four healthcare organizations’ policy documents. Within this approach, we obtain requirements from policy documents based on our theory of commitments, privileges, and rights. During our summative case study we applied our commitment analysis approach to eight healthcare organizations’ policy documents in order to validate the methodology. We discuss the results of the summative study, in which we found that most of the statements express organizational practices or procedures. The top seen classification conveys pledges made by the organization based on organizational practices. The second most seen classification expresses actions that the user is entitled to perform based on organizational practices.
Interdisciplinary pain management with pain patients: evidence for its effectiveness

Abstract Chronic pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition and can become quite recalcitrant. Poor outcomes from traditional medical, pharmacological, and surgical approaches have been an impetus to development of comprehensive pain programs (CPPs) in which pain specialists from multiple disciplines provide treatment for patients. With health-care costs continuing to rise, the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of CPPs have been of greatly increased interest. In this study, evidence supporting the efficacy of CPP treatment for chronic pain is reviewed on the basis of multiple criteria. I also discuss additional treatment parameters (patient characteristics, treatment delivery, process variables) in considering the efficacy of CPPs. The literature generally supports positive results for CPPs for the various parameters. Furthermore, CPPs are likely to produce long-term cost-savings in health-care expenditures and indemnity costs.
Dronedarone for Atrial Fibrillation — An Odyssey

On March 18, the Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA convened to determine whether the antiarrhythmic drug dronedarone should be approved for patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Dr. Peter Zimetbaum discusses the debate.
Cluster formation in laser-induced ablation and evaporation of solids observed by laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and scanning tunneling microscopy

Laser ionization time-of-flight mass analysis (LIMA) used pulses (5ns) of a frequency- quadrupled Nd-YAG laser (266 nm) focused onto spots of 4–100 μm diameter to ablate material, and a reflectron time of flight tube to mass-analyze the plume. The observed mass spectra for Si, Pt, SiC, and UO2 varied in the distribution of ablation products among atoms, molecules and clusters, depending on laser power density and target material. Cleaved surfaces of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) positioned at room temperature either 10 cm away from materials ablated at 10−5 Torr by 1–3 excimer laser (308 nm) pulses of 20 ns duration or 1 m away from materials vaporized at 10−8 Torr by 10 Nd-Glass laser pulses of 1 ms duration were analyzed by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) in air with Angstrom resolution. Clusters up to 30 A in diameter were observed.
Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections in Cystic Fibrosis

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are important emerging cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogens, with estimates of prevalence ranging from 6% to 13%. Diagnosis of NTM disease in patients with CF is challenging, as the infection may remain indolent in some, without evidence of clinical consequence, whereas other patients suffer significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment requires prolonged periods of multiple drugs and varies depending on NTM species, resistance pattern, and extent of disease. The development of a disease-specific approach to the diagnosis and treatment of NTM infection in CF patients is a research priority, as a lifelong strategy is needed for this high-risk population.
Quantification of locomotor activity in larval zebrafish: considerations for the design of high-throughput behavioral studies

High-throughput behavioral studies using larval zebrafish often assess locomotor activity to determine the effects of experimental perturbations. However, the results reported by different groups are difficult to compare because there is not a standardized experimental paradigm or measure of locomotor activity. To address this, we investigated the effects that several factors, including the stage of larval development and the physical dimensions (depth and diameter) of the behavioral arena, have on the locomotor activity produced by larval zebrafish. We provide evidence for differences in locomotor activity between larvae at different stages and when recorded in wells of different depths, but not in wells of different diameters. We also show that the variability for most properties of locomotor activity is less for older than younger larvae, which is consistent with previous reports. Finally, we show that conflicting interpretations of activity level can occur when activity is assessed with a single measure of locomotor activity. Thus, we conclude that although a combination of factors should be considered when designing behavioral experiments, the use of older larvae in deep wells will reduce the variability of locomotor activity, and that multiple properties of locomotor activity should be measured to determine activity level.
Predicting the impact of changing CO2 on crop yields: some thoughts on food

Contents Summary 607 I. Rising CO2 and agricultural crop yields 608 II. Expanding methodologies 608 III. Which methodology gives the ‘truest’ prediction of future yields? 608 IV. Comparing responses among methodologies 610 V. Methodology vs future uncertainty 611 VI. Abiotic uncertainties 612 VII. Biotic uncertainties 613 VIII. Uncertainty vs methodology 614 IX. Modelers and experimentalists 614 X. Final thoughts 615 Acknowledgements 615 References 615 Summary Recent breakthroughs in CO2 fumigation methods using free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) technology have prompted comparisons between FACE experiments and ‘enclosure studies’ with respect to quantification of the effects of projected atmospheric CO2 concentrations on crop yields. On the basis of one such comparison, it was argued that model projections of future food supply (some of which are based on older enclosure data) may have significantly overestimated the positive effect of elevated CO2 concentration on crop yields and, by extension, food security. However, in the comparison, no effort was made to differentiate ‘enclosure study’ methodologies with respect to maintaining projected CO2 concentration or to consider other climatic changes (e.g. warming) that could impact crop yields. In this review, we demonstrate that relative yield stimulations in response to future CO2 concentrations obtained using a number of enclosure methodologies are quantitatively consistent with FACE results for three crops of global importance: rice (Oryza sativa), soybean (Glycine max) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). We suggest, that instead of focusing on methodological disparities per se, improved projections of future food supply could be achieved by better characterization of the biotic/abiotic uncertainties associated with projected changes in CO2 and climate and incorporation of these uncertainties into current crop models.
A simple strategy for improving patient contact after ED discharge

The purpose of this study was to assess strategies to improve telephone contact with adult patients discharged from the emergency department (ED). The basic procedure was a prospective, randomized, interventional trial of a convenience sample of patients 18 years or older being discharged from the ED. Patients were excluded if they had altered mental status or were unable to communicate with the College Research Associates (RAs). RAs asked intervention subjects a set of scripted questions confirming patients' telephone numbers and times for a follow-up call. Control subjects received routine discharge instructions from the ED staff. Subjects were called back within 4 days of ED discharge. Eighty-seven control subjects and 76 intervention subjects were enrolled. There were no significant demographic differences between the 2 groups. Forty-seven (54%) control subjects were contacted versus 58 (77%) in the intervention group (P <.003; Chi-square test). A simple patient interview conducted immediately before discharge confirming the patient's telephone number and setting a time for a follow-up call significantly improved patient follow-up contact rates.
Umbilical cord blood screening for cytomegalovirus DNA by quantitative PCR.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which is the most common congenitally transmitted infection, affects approximately 1% of neonates worldwide. Despite its prevalence, no convenient screening test for neonatal CMV infection has been implemented. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and yield of screening umbilical cord blood for CMV DNA emiaby quantitative PCR. Study design: Umbilical cord blood was tested for CMV DNAemia using a commercial quantitative PCR assay. Maternal CMV serostatus at the time of delivery was assessed by testing for CMV IgG and IgM antibodies in serum. Conclusions: Screening for congenital CMV infection with PCR is easily incorporated into routine labor and delivery care using discarded cord blood specimens to identify neonates whose infection is otherwise undiagnosed. Among 433 infants tested, two (0.5%) had DNAemia detected in cord blood, one of whom was symptomatic, and both of whose mothers were CMV IgG positive and IgM negative. Viremic neonates identified by screening with PCR may be at high risk of developing long-term neurological complications of CMV infection and cannot reliably be identified using clinical presentation or maternal serology. Because of its convenience, cord blood CMV screening with PCR should be further investigated for incorporation into neonatal screening protocols.
IQ Scores Should Not Be Adjusted for the Flynn Effect in Capital Punishment Cases

Atkins v. Virginia (2002) dramatically raised the stakes for mental retardation in capital punishment cases, but neither defined this condition nor imposed uniform standards for its assessment. The basic premise that mean IQ scores shift over time enjoys wide recognition, but its application— including the appropriateness of characterizing it in terms of an allegedly predictable “Flynn effect”— is frequently debated in the course of death penalty litigation. The scientifically and ethically sound approach to this issue is to report IQ scores as obtained and be prepared to address those factors that might affect their reliability. Altering the IQ scores themselves is insufficiently supported by professional literature, legal authority, or prevailing standards of practice.
Identification of the ubiD gene on the Escherichia coli chromosome.

The open reading frame at 86.7 min on the Escherichia coli chromosome, “yigC,” complemented a ubiD mutant strain, AN66, indicating that yigC is the ubiD gene. The gene product, a 497-amino-acid-residue protein, showed extensive homology to the UPF 00096 family of proteins in the Swiss-Prot database.
p300 Requires Its Histone Acetyltransferase Activity and SRC-1 Interaction Domain To Facilitate Thyroid Hormone Receptor Activation in Chromatin

We have characterized the mechanism by which coactivator p300 facilitates transcriptional activation mediated by the heterodimer of thyroid hormone (T3) receptor and 9-cis retinoid acid receptor (TR-RXR) in the context of chromatin. We demonstrate that, while p300 can enhance the transcriptional activation mediated by both liganded TR-RXR and GAL4-VP16, its histone acetyltransferase activity (HAT) is required for its ability to facilitate liganded TR-RXR- but not GAL4-VP16-mediated transcriptional activation. To understand how p300 is recruited by liganded TR-RXR, we have analyzed the interactions between TR-RXR and p300 as well as SRC-1 family coactivators. We show that, in contrast to a strong hormone-dependent interaction between TR-RXR and SRC-1 family coactivators, p300 displays minimal, if any, T3-dependent interaction with TR-RXR. However, p300 can be recruited by liganded TR-RXR through its interaction with SRC-1 family coactivators. Consistent with the protein-protein interaction profile described above, we demonstrate that the SRC-1 interaction domain of p300 is important for its ability to facilitate transcriptional activation mediated by TR-RXR, whereas its nuclear receptor interaction domain is dispensable. Collectively, these results reveal the functional significance of the HAT activity of p300 and define an indirect mode for the action of p300 in TR-RXR activation.
When feeling bad makes you look good: Guilt, shame, and person perception

In two studies, we examined how expressions of guilt and shame affected person perception. In the first study, participants read an autobiographical vignette in which the writer did something wrong and reported feeling either guilt, shame, or no emotion. The participants then rated the writer's motivations, beliefs, and traits, as well as their own feelings toward the writer. The person expressing feelings of guilt or shame was perceived more positively on a number of attributes, including moral motivation and social attunement, than the person who reported feeling no emotion. In the second study, the writer of the vignette reported experiencing (or not experiencing) cognitive and motivational aspects of guilt or shame. Expressing a desire to apologise (guilt) or feelings of worthlessness (private shame) resulted in more positive impressions than did reputational concerns (public shame) or a lack of any of these feelings. Our results indicate that verbal expressions of moral emotions such as guilt and shame influence perception of moral character as well as likeability.
The Role of Power and Negotiation in the Global Commercial Arena

Negotiation and the Global Information Economy. By J.P. Singh. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. 357 pp., $37.99 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-73108-9). Negotiation and the Global Information Economy. By J.P. Singh. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. 357 pp., $37.99 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-73108-9). Power has been cited since the fifth century BC as a key factor to understanding the relationship between states. One of the most profound debates in international relations literature is the impact of power on the behavior of states and their interactions. The present work is another attempt to tackle the influence of power on outcomes in the international arena, with special attention to the processes of international negotiations and their impact under different power configurations on the global commercial arena. Zartman and Rubin (2000:4–5) maintain that there are two schools of thought that look at the relationship of power to international negotiation. The first argues that power differences do not matter as they are evened by the negotiation process, while the second school of thought contends that differences in power do make a difference in the way negotiations unfold and the outcomes that result. Although Zartman and Rubin explore the relationship between power and negotiations, they do not look at the negotiation process itself and how the negotiation strategies and tactics help to achieve the desired outcomes. This is a focus of J.P. Singh's book. For the most part, and due to the dominance of the realist school of thought (for example, Morgenthau 1978), power has been operationalized in terms of military capability. As a result, a majority of the studies in …
New Host Plant Record for The Poison Ivy Sawfly, Arge humeralis (Hymenoptera: Argidae), and Its Performance on Two Host Plant Species

ABSTRACT The poison ivy sawfly, Arge humeralis Beauvois, was previously known to feed only on poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze. However, in 2009, larvae were discovered in southern Florida feeding on poisonwood, Metopium toxiferum (L.) Krug and Urban. To better characterize the host range of A. humeralis, we compared larval performance on T. radicans and M. toxiferum. Adults oviposited on both plant species, and days to pupation and survival to adulthood were similar. With the exception of longer 1st and 4th stadia on T. radicans, stadia were also similar. Most mortality occurred during pupation. The use of M. toxiferum by A. humeralis indicates a wider range of hosts and of ecosystems than previously known for this insect.
THE LONG GOOD-BYE: WHY B. F. SKINNER'S VERBAL BEHAVIOR IS ALIVE AND WELL ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS PUBLICATION

The year 2007 marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of B. F. Skinner’s Verbal Behavior, a book that by Skinner’s own account was his most important. The received view, however, is that a devastating review by a young linguist not only rendered Skinner’s interpretation of language moot but was also a major factor in ending the hegemony of behaviorism in psychology and paving the way for a cognitive revolution. Nevertheless, in taking stock of Verbal Behavior and behaviorism, both appear to be thriving. This article suggests that Verbal Behavior and behaviorism remain vital partly because they have generated successful practical applications. The year 2007 marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of B. F. Skinner’s Verbal Behavior (1957). This anniversary is worth noting because, according to most accounts, a scathing review by a young linguist named Noam Chomsky (1959) in the journal Language not only undermined Skinner’s main arguments but simultaneously hammered a nail in the lid of behaviorism’s coffin and paved the way for the return of cognitive psychology (e.g., Hunt, 1982). Even though many linguists and psychologists said good-bye to Verbal Behavior and to behaviorism in the wake of Chomsky’s review, both are still around and seem to be thriving. Given that the book Skinner called his most important work (Skinner, 1977) is selling as well as ever, it might be instructive to look at why it and the discipline that forms its experimental foundation have been so resilient.
A Particle Swarm Social Model for Multi-Agent Based Insurgency Warfare Simulation

To better understand insurgent activities and asymmetric warfare, a social adaptive model for modeling multiple insurgent groups attacking multiple military and civilian targets is proposed and investigated. This report presents a pilot study using the particle swarm modeling, a widely used non-linear optimal tool, to model the emergence of insurgency campaign. The objective of this research is to apply the particle swarm metaphor as a model of insurgent social adaptation for the dynamically changing environment and to provide insight and understanding of insurgency warfare. Our results show that unified leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication between insurgent groups are not the necessary requirements for insurgents to efficiently attain their objectives.
Outcome of iridociliary epithelial tumour biopsies in dogs: a retrospective study

To evaluate the outcome of eyes with a confirmed iridociliary epithelial tumour (ICET) following biopsy. Forty-two specimens were selected from the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin database, including 11 globes enucleated following ICET biopsy and 31 iridociliary biopsies with a confirmed ICET. Histopathology was performed for all specimens. When identified, the corneal surgical wound was examined in enucleated globes. Tumour type and margins were determined for biopsy specimens and follow-up was obtained when possible. Biopsies were performed for diagnosis, debulking or excision. 30/31 biopsies had dirty margins, and iridociliary adenomas were indistinguishable from adenocarcinomas by biopsy. Upon biopsy submission 5/23 biopsies were reported as incisional and 18/23 as excisional. Follow-up information was obtained for 14/18 of those reported as excisional. 8/14 had documented recurrence within 5.0±5.6 months and 6/14 had no recurrence at 21.5±13.6 months postoperatively. Three enucleated globes were diagnosed with iridociliary adenocarcinomas and eight with iridociliary adenomas. The corneal surgical wound was sampled in 8/11 globes. There was a synechia to the surgical wound in 3/8 globes, and in 3/8 globes there were neoplastic cells within or adjacent to the surgical wound. The postoperative success of ICET excision is highly variable; complete excision is rarely achieved and recurrence is common. Biopsy effects on ocular tissues may result in synechia and other surgical complications. ICET can be diagnosed by biopsy, but adenomas are indistinguishable from adenocarcinomas.
Social support attenuates presyncopal reactions to blood donation

BACKGROUND: The experience of unpleasant blood donation reactions (e.g., dizziness, nausea, and fainting) has been linked to negative attitudes about donation and decreased likelihood of repeat donation. Consequently, interventions to reduce the adverse effects of blood donation are important and likely to increase donor retention. Based on laboratory studies suggesting that social support attenuates both physical and psychological responses to stress, the present study hypothesized that the presence of a supportive person during the donation process may help reduce reactions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A final sample of 65 men and women with fewer than three prior donations was randomly assigned to either donate blood as usual or donate with a supportive research assistant. Donors in the support condition were accompanied throughout the donation process by a female research assistant who provided encouragement, made reassuring remarks, and engaged in small talk. Donors in both conditions completed a series of questions to assess anxiety, experience of prefaint reactions, and willingness to provide a future donation. RESULTS: Compared to standard donation controls, donors in the social support condition reported fewer prefaint reactions (F(1,61) = 9.15, p = 0.004, η2= 0.13) and greater likelihood of donating again within the next year (Z =−1.70, p < 0.05, one-tailed). CONCLUSION: Relatively novice donors report reduced reactions to blood donation when accompanied by a supportive individual, suggesting that social support may be a simple strategy to enhance the donation experience and possibly increase donor retention.
An efficient user verification system via mouse movements

Biometric authentication verifies a user based on its inherent, unique characteristics --- who you are. In addition to physiological biometrics, behavioral biometrics has proven very useful in authenticating a user. Mouse dynamics, with their unique patterns of mouse movements, is one such behavioral biometric. In this paper, we present a user verification system using mouse dynamics, which is both accurate and efficient enough for future usage. The key feature of our system lies in using much more fine-grained (point-by-point) angle-based metrics of mouse movements for user verification. These new metrics are relatively unique from person to person and independent of the computing platform. Moreover, we utilize support vector machines (SVMs) for accurate and fast classification. Our technique is robust across different operating platforms, and no specialized hardware is required. The efficacy of our approach is validated through a series of experiments. Our experimental results show that the proposed system can verify a user in an accurate and timely manner, and induced system overhead is minor.
Acoustic speckle: Theory and experimental analysis

A theoretical and experimental study of speckle, as applied to ultrasonic imaging, is presented. The concept of laser speckle is briefly reviewed and is used as a starting point to explain the origin of acoustic speckle. The primary differences between these two phenomena are discussed and are confirmed by experiment. An experimental study of speckle reduction by summation of multiple images is also presented. Several techniques for generating independent speckle patterns for use in image summation schemes are proposed. A phased array, dynamically focused sector imaging system was used in all of the experimental studies reported.
Myocardial contrast echocardiography: basic principles.

Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is a new technique that can be used to examine the myocardial microcirculation. It uses gas-filled microbubbles that behave similarly to red blood cells in the microcirculation. This report describes the parts of the coronary microcirculation visualized by MCE. It also describes the types of microbubbles currently available for research. The properties of microbubbles and their interaction with ultrasound are also described as well as different imaging techniques. This information is necessary to understand the basics of MCE.
Phases in Ceria–Zirconia Binary Oxide (1−x)CeO2–xZrO2 Nanoparticles: The Effect of Particle Size

The phases of ceria-zirconia nanoparticles observed in air are studied as a function of particle size and composition by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The emergence of two tetragonal phases t{prime}{prime} and t monotonically moves toward higher zirconia concentrations with decreasing particle size. A smaller particle size increases the solubility of zirconia in cubic ceria, while higher zirconia content in ceria stabilizes against coarsening. In particular, the cubic Ce{sub 1-x}Zr{sub x}O{sub 2-y} is persistent and is 8% in phase amount even at 90% zirconia with 33 nm crystal size. Neither the monoclinic phase m nor the tetragonal phase t{prime} is observed in the present nanoparticles (<40 nm). The effectiveness of these nanoparticles as oxygen source-and-sink in catalytic support is largely due to the persistence of the cubic and the t{prime}{prime} phases.
V-Y Fasciocutaneous Advancement Flap Coverage of Soft Tissue Defects of the Foot in the Patient at High Risk

Abstract This single-center, observational case series involved a review of prospectively collected data pertaining to 16 V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flaps performed on 16 consecutive patients between August 2006 and December 2008. Each patient underwent primary excision of a foot ulcer with debridement of soft tissue and bone, insertion of polymethylmethacrylate antibiotic–loaded bone cement, and immobilization. At an average of 3 days after the index procedure, soft tissue and osseous deformities were corrected in 13 of the 16 patients, and a V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flap was used for coverage of the soft tissue defect in all patients. Patients were kept nonweightbearing and were followed up until clinical healing occurred or failure was declared. There were 12 male and 4 female patients with a mean age of 64.0 ± 7.4 years (range, 48–75 years). Fifteen patients had diabetes mellitus with a mean of 5.1 ± 1.8 (range, 3–8) medical comorbidities. There were 10 medial forefoot, 3 central forefoot, 2 lateral forefoot, and 1 dorsal midfoot full-thickness soft tissue defects that displayed a mean diameter of 2.3 ± 1.4 cm (range, 1.0–3.5 cm). All but 4 flaps healed primarily, with each developing marginal dehiscence that healed with local wound care measures. Two deep infections occurred despite healing of the flap, which necessitated transmetatarsal amputation with split-thickness skin graft coverage. When properly performed and after complete resolution of infection, V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flap coverage of complex foot ulcerations represents a useful and reliable technique even in patients with multiple medical comorbidities.
On the Continuity of Achievable Rate Regions for Source Coding over Networks

The continuity property of achievable rate regions for source coding over networks is considered. We show rate- distortion regions are continuous with respect to distortion vectors. Then we focus on the continuity of lossless rate regions with respect to source distribution: First, the proof of continuity for general networks with independent sources is given; then, for the case of dependent sources, continuity is proven both in examples where one-letter characterizations are known and in examples where one-letter characterizations are not known; the proofs in the latter case rely on the concavity of the rate regions for those networks.
35.3: Overview of Computational Photography

Computational Photography explores the design space at the interaction of optics, sensing, and computation. I'll review my favorite research projects within this area, most of them by other people, and a few that I was involved with. These projects involve modifications to the camera lens, aperture, shutter, light source or image sensor. By designing algorithms appropriate for each camera modification, novel image capture or manipulation capabilities can be achieved.
Aspiration Biopsy: Technique and Application

A review is presented on the techniques and applications of aspiration biopsy. Photographs of cells taken from various lesions are given. (C.J.G.)
Alternative splicing of AMPA subunits in prefrontal cortical fields of cynomolgus monkeys following chronic ethanol self-administration

Functional impairment of the orbital and medial prefrontal cortex underlies deficits in executive control that characterize addictive disorders, including alcohol addiction. Previous studies indicate that alcohol alters glutamate neurotransmission and one substrate of these effects may be through the reconfiguration of the subunits constituting ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) complexes. Glutamatergic transmission is integral to cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical communication and alcohol-induced changes in the abundance of the receptor subunits and/or their splice variants may result in critical functional impairments of prefrontal cortex in alcohol dependence. To this end, the effects of chronic ethanol self-administration on glutamate receptor ionotropic AMPA (GRIA) subunit variant and kainate (GRIK) subunit mRNA expression were studied in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of male cynomolgus monkeys. In DLPFC, total AMPA splice variant expression and total kainate receptor subunit expression were significantly decreased in alcohol drinking monkeys. Expression levels of GRIA3 flip and flop and GRIA4 flop mRNAs in this region were positively correlated with daily ethanol intake and blood ethanol concentrations averaged over the six months prior to necropsy. In OFC, AMPA subunit splice variant expression was reduced in the alcohol treated group. GRIA2 flop mRNA levels in this region were positively correlated with daily ethanol intake and blood ethanol concentrations averaged over the six months prior to necropsy. Results from these studies provide further evidence of transcriptional regulation of iGluR subunits in the primate brain following chronic alcohol self-administration. Additional studies examining the cellular localization of such effects in the framework of primate prefrontal cortical circuitry are warranted.
Business Ethics: An Overview

This essay provides an overview of business ethics. I describe important issues, identify some of the normative considerations animating them, and offer a roadmap of references for those wishing to learn more. I focus on issues in normative business ethics, but discuss briefly the growing body of work in descriptive business ethics. I conclude with a comment on the changing nature of the field.
Silicide interfaces in silicon technology

This paper does not constitute an overall review of the role of interfaces in the use of silicides in current microelectronic technology. However, for the sake of some degree of completeness, most of the uses of silicides, be it infrared detection or thermoelectric generation, are mentioned and some recent references listed. Emphasis is given to four different topics. The first is the use of PtSi for ohmic and rectifying contacts; this provides the opportunity a) to look at the development of planar device metallization, starting with aluminum, and b) to survey briefly elements of the theory of Schottky and ohmic contacts to semiconductors. A second topic is the epitaxy of silicides on silicon, with a brief discussion of β-FeSi2, recently shown to be electroluminescent. What is known about grain boundary diffusion in silicides and other intermetallic compounds is reviewed with some speculation about the structure of grain boundaries and the consequences for silicide growth via solid state reactions. Finally, the role of epitaxy between various morphological variations of TiSi2 is examined because of the important place of this silicide in metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor technology.
Learning executive function and early mathematics: Directions of causal relations

Abstract Although there has been much recent attention to young children's development of executive function and early mathematics, few studies have integrated the two. Here we review the evidence regarding executive function and mathematic achievement in the early years. After defining the executive function processes we consider, we briefly address the question of whether executive function can be taught in schools. We then turn to the relations between executive function and achievement. We begin with a review of the larger literature on correlations between the two, both concurrent and predictive. This leads to the fewer but more directly educationally-relevant causal studies. We conclude that developing both executive function processes and mathematical proficiencies is essential for young children and suggest that high-quality mathematics education may have the dual benefit of teaching this important content area and developing executive function processes.
Foot contact angle variability during a prolonged run with relation to injury history and habitual foot strike pattern.

Foot strike pattern and movement variability have each been associated with running injuries. Foot contact angle (FCA) is a common measure of strike pattern. Thus, variability in FCA could be an important running injury risk factor. The purposes of this study were to compare (a) foot contact angle (FCA) and its variability between runners with and without injury history and, (b) FCA variability between habitual rearfoot strike (RFS) and non-RFS runners during a prolonged run. Twenty-three runners with and 21 without injury history participated. Motion capture was used to collect kinematic data during a 40 min treadmill run. Average FCA and its variability were compared between injury groups and among four time points. FCA and its variability were not different between runners with and without injury history or among time points during the run. FCA variability was lower in non-RFS compared to RFS runners (P < 0.001). Lower FCA variability in non-RFS runners may have implications for higher injury risks due to repeated localized tissue loading. Prospective analyses on the effects of lower FCA variability on injury risk are needed.
Segmentation of Fluent Speech into Words: Learning Models and the Role of Maternal Input

Two research strategies aimed at understanding how maternal speech input enables pre-productive infants to segment words from fluent speech are summarized. The first strategy consists of gathering audio-recordings of maternal speech directed to 12-month-olds in two different tasks: teaching the infant a new word and reading from a story book. The second strategy consists of constructing a simulation of the word-segmentation process using neural networks. Transcripts and detailed acoustic analyses of maternal speech from native speakers of English and Turkish revealed the following: Mothers (1) do not consistently use the target (or topical) word in isolation, (2) do not avoid or enhance difficult-to-segment word boundaries, (3) typically highlight the target word in an utterance by using exaggerated pitch contours, and (4) typically place the target word in utterance-final position, even when such placement violates strict grammatically. Taken together, these findings suggest that mothers are aware of neither the acoustic difficulty of word segmentation nor the need to enhance the segmental information for word boundaries. Mothers do, however, spontaneously use exaggerated pitch, but this pitch-marking is insufficient for word segmentation because the preceding and following words are blended with the change in pitch. Perhaps most importantly, mothers appear to have tacit knowledge of the potential benefit associated with placing the target word in utterance-final (or utterance-initial) position. Not only does this placement reduce the segmentation problem (by eliminating one of the word boundaries), but it capitalizes on either recency (or primacy) in the encoding of the word into memory.
Charge Induced Rectification in Single Nanopores

Ion current rectification is one of the most exciting transport properties observed with both conically shaped nanopores as well as pores containing surface charge patterns. Ion current rectification can also be achieved by voltage-controlled electric potential of the pore walls, but these systems require building a multi-terminal set-up. The device reported here presents a simple two-electrode system whose surface charge properties are controlled by the transmembrane potential via polarization of gold. As reported before, when the applied electric field had a component in the direction parallel to the gold surface, a bipolar charge pattern was created on the gold so that one part contained excess electrons, and the other part excess holes. Thus, when placed in an electrolyte solution, the polarized surface can modify local ionic concentrations, forming regions with enhanced cation and anion concentrations. In a nanopore system with an integrated gold layer, polarization of gold is expected to create a diode surface charge pattern and ion current rectification. Experiments were performed with single silicon nitride nanopores drilled in a 50 nm thick films by e-beam in the transmission electron microscope. Evaporation of a gold film on one membrane surface did induce ion current rectification, suggesting the formation of a voltage-induced bipolar surface charge pattern. Direction of the rectification is determined by the structure of the gold in the pore, which determines the local electric field and ionic distributions. Passivation of the metal layer via chemisorption of thiols eliminated the rectification further, supporting the leading role of gold polarization in our system.