cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data structures and intersection algorithms for 3D spatial data types

Apart from visualization tasks, three-dimensional (3D) data management features are not or only hardly available in current spatial database systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). But the increasing demands from application domains like urban planning, geoscience, and soil engineering call for systems that are capable of storing, retrieving, querying, and manipulating the underlying 3D spatial data. Current 3D data models are tailored to specific applications and simple 3D spatial objects only, and available 3D data structures are restricted to main memory representations; thus they lack the ability of handling general and complex 3D spatial objects in a database context. Available algorithms, especially intersection algorithms for 3D objects, usually require special properties like convexity or monotonicity. Therefore, universal intersection algorithms that are capable of handling general 3D spatial objects are currently unknown. This paper proposes a paradigm called slice representation as a general data representation method for complex 3D spatial data types. In particular, data structures are developed applying the paradigm to point3D, line3D, surface, and volume data types. Two intersection algorithms that involve one argument of type point3D are introduced and show the benefit of the slice representation.
Classical Maxwell Theory with Finite-Particle Sources

A Lorentz-invariant finite-particle model is introduced into the Maxwell theory by extending the space from space-time to all (time-like) space-time spheres. The properties of the model are examined in the classical theory as a preliminary to the quantized case. The space-time sphere radius $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is the parameter of finiteness; it has the effect of smearing point particles into bell-shaped bounded distributions which go over into the $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function point-particle distributions in the limit $\ensuremath{\lambda}=0$. The smeared particles give rise to fields in which the Coulomb infinity no longer exists. It is shown that the finite-particle 4-current has various indispensable formal properties: that charge is conserved; and that, in interaction with its field, momentum and energy are conserved, the integrals representing the electromagnetic self-energy and self-force being convergent for $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\ne}0$. This replacement of point by finite particles results in corrections to calculations which are probably negligible where the classical theory is valid, but which might be appreciable in the quantum domain at distances comparable to $\ensuremath{\lambda}$.
A resource utilization projection study of EUS.

Abstract Background: EUS has emerged as standard practice with respect to the diagnosis and staging of GI malignancies. Whether currently available resources are sufficient to meet the potential need for EUS is uncertain. This study examines the hypothetical demand for EUS in the United States. Methods: EUS cases performed at 3 centers with well-established expertise in EUS in 1997 were retrospectively reviewed and trends were extrapolated to national cancer statistics. Indications for EUS fell into 3 categories: (1) diagnosis/staging of esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, or rectal cancers (established indications); (2) suspected GI malignancy (obligate "rule out"); and (3) "other" (emerging indications). Hypothetical total numbers of cases in which EUS could be performed in the United States were calculated taking into consideration the expected number of GI malignancies for which EUS would be appropriate (based on cancer statistics for 2000), the fraction unresectable by CT, the fraction of elderly nonsurgical candidates, proportionate "rule out" cases, as well as "other" emerging indications. Results: The calculated hypothetical number of cases (United States) in which EUS would be indicated is 79,568 per year (10,287 esophagus, 10,666 stomach, 23,069 pancreas, and 35,546 rectal). If "other" indications remained constant at 12%, there would potentially be 89,116 EUS procedures performed per year, with a conservative estimate of 79,572 per year. Conclusions: This model suggests that currently available EUS resources are not sufficient to meet hypothetical demand. Future considerations include the number of endoscopy units in which EUS is performed, the capacity of individual units, and the implications for training programs in the United States. (Gastrointest Endosc 2002;55:328-34.)
Last stop on the road to repair: structure of E. coli DNA ligase bound to nicked DNA-adenylate

NAD(+)-dependent DNA ligases (LigA) are ubiquitous in bacteria and essential for growth. Their distinctive substrate specificity and domain organization vis-a-vis human ATP-dependent ligases make them outstanding targets for anti-infective drug discovery. We report here the 2.3 A crystal structure of Escherichia coli LigA bound to an adenylylated nick, which captures LigA in a state poised for strand closure and reveals the basis for nick recognition. LigA envelopes the DNA within a protein clamp. Large protein domain movements and remodeling of the active site orchestrate progression through the three chemical steps of the ligation reaction. The structure inspires a strategy for inhibitor design.
Caring for Burn Patients at the United States Institute of Surgical Research: The Nurses' Multifaceted Roles

Nursing plays a critical role in the comprehensive burn care delivered at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research, otherwise known as the US Army's Burn Center serving the Department of Defense. This center serves as a model for burn units nationally and internationally. It also provides a challenging and innovative work environment for military and civilian nurses. Nurses in the Burn Center contribute to innovations in acute, rehabilitative, and psychological care for patients with burns. This article provides an overview of the complex nursing care provided to burn patients treated at the Burn Center.
Inhibition of corpora allata by larval brain extract in the cockroach Diploptera punctata

Abstract Extract of brains from final-instar males inhibited juvenile hormone synthesis by corpora allata from adult females and larval males in vitro. The inhibition was dose-dependent; maximal response was 70% reduction in activity elicited by 0.5 protocerebrum. Inhibition occurred within l h as did recovery. The inhibitory factor is trypsin-sensitive. Inhibitory activity was found in extract of brains from males of the three larval instars and adults, and was not localized to a particular region of the brain. Larval corpora allata showed nerve endings containing neurosecretory granules; extracts of larval corpora allata inhibited juvenile hormone synthesis in vitro. The hypothesis that an inhibitory factor is released from these nerve endings was supported by the observation that corpora allata treated with high concentrations of potassium were inhibited, but not in the presence of magnesium.
Parenting after trauma: Supporting parents and caregivers in the treatment of children impacted by violence

L'impact deletere d'un traumatisme sur les parents et leur capacite a parenter leurs enfants semble bien reconnu dans la communaute clinique, bien qu'il ne soit pas suffisamment etudie empiriquement. Les buts de cet articles sont de presenter un survol des connaissances actuelles sur les traumatismes et le parentage, de presenter une etude de cas clinique d'illustration, et d'offrir des recommendations pour les modalites de traitement systemiques, la conception d'un programme multidisciplinaire, et l'evaluation empirique. La preponderance des donnees presentees par la litterature actuellement disponible et les observations cliniques indique le besoin crucial de soutien au mode de soin dans les familles ayant connu des episodes de violence. L'etude de cas offre un exemplaire des besoins cliniques se chevauchant et etant en correlation des familles connaissant des traumatismes. Les auteurs concluent que des etudes empiriques a venir devraient mettre se concentrer sur la delineation des processus a travers lesquels le fonctionnement du parent apres le traumatisme affecte les enfants, ainsi que la determination de l'efficacite du traitement et les liens entre l'amelioration de la sante mentale du parent et l'amelioration subsequente du fonctionnement chez les enfants.
The exfoliation of SWCNT bundles examined by simultaneous Raman scattering and photoluminescence spectroscopy

Abstract Simultaneous measurements of Raman scattering and photoluminescence (PL) prove to be a powerful method for quantifying the bundling states of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). This paper presents physical analysis and experimental evidence to establish that the G-band normalized photoluminescence, which is determined from the simultaneously acquired Raman scattering and PL emission spectra, can serve as a good indicator for quantifying the degree of exfoliation of SWCNT dispersions. Without introducing the complications of sampling geometry and instrumental correction, this indicator directly relates to the intrinsic physical properties of a given SWCNT sample, namely, the absorption cross-section, differential Raman scattering cross-section, and PL quantum yield of SWCNT. An inverse linear relationship between the G-band normalized 267 cm −1 RBM intensity and the PL emission intensities for SWCNT dispersions with different degrees of exfoliation was experimentally observed, indicating this can be used for quantitative characterization of the degree of exfoliation for a given SWCNT sample. An in-depth analysis of the indicators of the degree of exfoliation in various as-sonicated SWCNT dispersions highlights a two-stage exfoliation mechanism of SWCNT bundles under sonication.
Novel DNQ PACs for high-resolution i-line lithography

The use of i-line lithography for the 16 to 64 Mbit DRAM device generations calls for increased performance of i-line resists. This paper reports on investigations on novel sensitizers for advanced i-line lithography, starting out with a discussion of general design criteria, then discussing methodology and results of a screening phase, and examining in greater detail a small number of selected candidates for which resolution, exposure latitude, and depth-of-focus data were obtained. Finally, a new advanced resist for i-line lithography, AZR 7500, is presented, and its performance is evaluated in terms of the above criteria as well as thermal flow resistance.
Ionic-Ligand-Mediated Electrochemical Charging of Anionic Gold Nanoparticle Films and Anionic−Cationic Gold Nanoparticle Bilayers

Gold nanoparticles ∼2 nm in diameter were synthesized with, on average, between 0 and ∼5.4 anionic thiols per particle. An electrochemical quartz-crystal microbalance was used to monitor the motion of ions and electrons during redox cycling (charging) of thin films of these nanoparticles. When the electrochemistry was performed using a polyanion electrolyte too large to penetrate the nanoparticle film, the degree of oxidation that was possible was found to be dictated by the average number of anionic ligands on the particle surface available for charge compensation. These anionic nanoparticle thin films were combined with previously reported/synthesized cationic nanoparticles into solution-processed nanoparticle film bilayers. We demonstrate using these bilayers that the control over charge compensation kinetics afforded by the use of a polyelectrolyte supporting electrolyte in conjunction with ionic surface functionalization allows for the selective charging of one layer of nanoparticles over the other a...
Cloning multiple copies of a DNA segment

A method for self-ligation of DNA segments, which is based on the rotational non-equivalence of ends produced by AvaI cleavage, has been developed. Using this method and an initiator molecule to encourage the formation of long polymers, we have obtained a plasmid containing 34 repeats of a 123-bp rat DNA segment. All of the repeats are in the same orientation, and the plasmid is quite stable. It should be possible to polymerize any DNA segment by this method. Potential uses of the procedure include production of large amounts of small, homogeneous DNAs for physical studies such as X-ray crystallography, and increasing the expression of cloned genes in bacteria.
Distributed algorithm for optimal sequence and power allocation in uplink code division multiple access systems

An alternative approach is presented for centralised algorithms that design optimal sequences and powers under quality of service constraints in the uplink of a code division multiple access systems. The authors propose a distributed algorithm, where each user designs its optimal codeword in such a way to transmit minimum power, based on certain feedback information sent from the base station. The authors define the user cost function, which is the user power written as a convex function of user codewords for a defined signal-to-interference plus noise ratio target. For the constrained optimisation problem, optimal codewords are designed based on feasible direction method and the optimal user powers are the minimum values of the user cost functions. For the optimal configuration, the matched filter employed at receiver will have the same performance as the minimum mean squared error filter. Even if the optimal user powers are unique, the optimal codewords do not correspond to a unique allocation, but rather to an entire class of codewords that can be related by unitary transformations. The algorithm works properly in the presence of multiple access interference with white or coloured additive noise and requires no ordering. The proposed algorithm is analysed and illustrated with numerical examples obtained from simulations.
Existence of Sporothrix schenckii as a Pulmonary Saprophyte

A 48-year-old male custodian and part-time gardener was hospitalized for treatment of renal tuberculosis. Sputum cultures failed to reveal mycobacteria, but Sporothrix schenckii was isolated over an eight-month period. In the absence of clinical or roentgenographic evidence of active lung disease, we postulate the saprophytic existence of S schenckii in this patient's tracheobronchial tree. Recognition of this state would obviate the need for the commonly accepted therapy for pulmonary sporotrichosis, amphotericin B.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (R 3 ): A design methodology for Sparse Matrix Vector Multiplication on reconfigurable platforms

Sparse Matrix Vector Multiplication (SpMV) is an important computational kernel in many scientific computing applications. Pipelining multiply-accumulate operations shifts SpMV from a computationally bounded kernel to an I/O bounded kernel. In this paper, we propose a design methodology and hardware architecture for SpMV that seeks to utilize system memory bandwidth as efficiently as possible, by Reducing the matrix element storage with on-chip decompression hardware, Reusing the vector data by mixing row and column matrix traversal, and Recycling data with matrix-dependent on-chip storage. Our experimental results with a Convey HC-1/HC-2 reconfigurable computing system indicate that for certain sparse matrices, our R3 methodology performs twice as fast as previous reconfigurable implementations, and effectively competes against other platforms.
Monte carlo simulation of temperature-programmed desorption of coadsorbed species

Abstract A Monte Carlo model is presented for describing the temperature-programmed desorption of coadsorbed species from single-crystal surfaces. Interactions between the adsorbates and the metal surface as well as interactions between the adsorbates are taken into account using the bondorder -conservation-Morse-potential (BOC-MP) approach. The number, shape, and location of the peaks is shown to be sensitive to the binding energy, coverage, and coordination of each coadsorbed species. The presence of a strongly bound coadsorbate on a bcc (100) surface is shown to shift the desorption spectrum for associative desorption of adsorbed atoms to lower temperatures. TPD spectra for the concurrent associative desorption of A atoms and the desorption of B molecules from an fcc (100) surface are of two types: in one case, both species exhibit new low-temperature features far removed from their pure component spectra; in the second case, only the species undergoing associative desorption displays new spectral features. The simulated TPD spectra are in qualitative agreement with experimental results for H 2 coadsorbed with strongly bound atomic species on Mo(100) and Fe(100) surfaces as well as for CO and H 2 coadsorbed on Ni(100) and Rh(100) surfaces.
Comparative Photosynthesis of Quebec and California Ecotypes of Typha Latifolia

Photosynthesis and transpiration were examined in detached leaves of broad—leaved cattail (Typha latifolia L.) ecotypes from a long growing season continental climate in California's central valley and a short growing season continental in northwestern Quebec when grown under identical conditions. The principal difference between the ecotypes were (a) greater temperature dependence of net photosynthesis in the Quebec ecotype, particularly when young leaves were compared, (b) a decline in temperature dependence of Quebec leaves as they aged, but not of California leaves, (c) a downward shift in the photosynthetic temperature curve when California plants were transferred to cooler growing conditions, while the curve was stable in Quebec plants, (d) an increase in photosynthetic rate at the optimum temperature when Quebec plants were transferred to cooler conditions, but a decline in California plants, (e) a more phenotypically plastic acclimation response in the California ecotype, and(f) greater sensitivity to photosynthesis inhibition by high oxygen in Quebec leaves. Differences in net assimilation rates were less than would be expected from previous studies of other species.
An Investigation of Explosively Deepening Oceanic Cyclones

Abstract The explosively deepening oceanic cyclone or “bomb,” one which has central pressure falls of 12 mb (12 h)−1 or greater, has been studied using composites constructed from North Atlantic and Pacific weather ship rawinsonde data during the period October 1965 to May 1974, June through September excluded. The composites revealed that the oceanic bomb evolved in a low-level baroclinic environment where the incipient circulation was confined to the lower troposphere. The cyclone subsequently developed into a deep vortex characterized by strong baroclinicity, strong low and midlevel ascent to the north and east of the cyclone, and lower tropospheric conditional instability found near and to the southeast of the cyclone center. A case study of a very intense cyclone that passed near ship 4YP revealed deep layers of conditional instability near the low center. It appears that explosively deepening cyclones are baroclinic phenomena whose development may be enhanced in some cases by the bulk effects of cum...
A Rapid Spectrographic Method for the Determination of Beryllium in Air Dust

A method has been developed for the determination of beryllium in air dust samples at the rate of 11 man-minutes per sample. The method involves the use of a small filter paper sample which is inserted into a cupped graphite electrode and arced in a conventional direct current arc. Certain treatments are necessary to ensure optimum excitation of the sample, including the addition of a barium chloride carrier and internal standard. The method is sensitive to .002 microgram of beryllium on the filter paper, and the range of analysis extends to .1 microgram. The accuracy of the method is about ±30% of the amount of beryllium present.
Distinctive effects of CaO additive on atmospheric gasification of biomass at different temperatures

Calcium oxide has long been recognized as an effective in-bed catalyst for reforming or cracking tars generated in thermally decomposing hydrocarbon fuels such as biomass. Under pressures as high as 20 atm, the oxide was also widely tested as a good CO2 acceptor to capture CO2 on-site to produce high-caloric pipeline gas from gasifying coal and coal−coke. By using CaO as an additive of the fuel and bed material, the research detailed in this research note demonstrated that CaO could also be a substantially good CO2 acceptor for the atmospheric gasification of biomass, provided the reaction temperature is appropriately low, such as not much over 973 K. At temperatures >1073 K, the additive exhibited basically the catalytic effect only, which led the H2 content of the product gas to increase and the tar release with the gas to decrease.
Acquisition of Simulation Skills: Survey of Users

Abstract Background There is a lack of literature describing how best to assist faculty to develop their skills for use of simulation, particularly by those experienced in its use. Method This descriptive study included surveying 58 individuals who attended the 8th Annual International Nursing Simulation/Learning Resource Centers Conference in 2009. Participants provided demographic information and completed the Acquisition of Simulation Skills survey. Results The majority of participants (95%) were using simulation. The preferred learning style for acquiring skills in simulation was practice with feedback from others skilled in simulation technique (52%). Conclusions Data suggest that faculty development should include practice, with feedback from others skilled in simulation technique. Further studies are recommended.
Minimally invasive abdominal surgery: lux et veritas past, present, and future.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic surgery has developed out of multiple technology innovations and the desire to see beyond the confines of the human body. As the instrumentation became more advanced, the application of this technique followed. By revisiting the historical developments that now define laparoscopic surgery, we can possibly foresee its future. Data Sources A Medline search was performed of all the English-language literature. Further references were obtained through cross-referencing the bibliography cited in each work and using books from the authors’ collection. Conclusion Minimally invasive surgery is becoming important in almost every facet of abdominal surgery. Optical improvements, miniaturization, and robotic technology continue to define the frontier of minimally invasive surgery. Endoluminal resection surgery, image-guided surgical navigation, and remotely controlled robotics are not far from becoming reality. These and advances yet to be described will change laparoscopic surgery just as the electric light bulb did over 100 years ago.
Reliability of EUCLIDIAN: An autonomous robotic system for image-guided prostate brachytherapy

Purpose: Recently, several robotic systems have been developed to perform accurate and consistent image-guided brachytherapy. Before introducing a new device into clinical operations, it is important to assess the reliability and mean time before failure (MTBF) of the system. In this article, the authors present the preclinical evaluation and analysis of the reliability and MTBF of an autonomous robotic system, which is developed for prostate seed implantation. Methods: The authors have considered three steps that are important in reliability growth analysis. These steps are: Identification and isolation of failures, classification of failures, and trend analysis. For any one-of-a-kind product, the reliability enhancement is accomplished through test-fix-test. The authors have used failure mode and effect analysis for collection and analysis of reliability data by identifying and categorizing the failure modes. Failures were classified according to severity. Failures that occurred during the operation of this robotic system were considered as nonhomogenous Poisson process. The failure occurrence trend was analyzed using Laplace test. For analyzing and predicting reliability growth, commonly used and widely accepted models, Duane’s model and the Army Material Systems Analysis Activity, i.e., Crow’s model, were applied. The MTBF was used as an important measure for assessing the system’s reliability. Results: During preclinical testing, 3196 seeds (in 53 test cases) were deposited autonomously by the robot and 14 critical failures were encountered. The majority of the failures occurred during the first few cases. The distribution of failures followed Duane’s postulation as well as Crow’s postulation of reliability growth. The Laplace test index was −3.82 ( 0 ) , indicating a significant trend in failure data, and the failure intervals lengthened gradually. The continuous increase in the failure occurrence interval suggested a trend toward improved reliability. The MTBF was 592 seeds, which implied that several prostate seed implantation cases would be possible without encountering any critical failure. The shape parameter for the MTBF was 0.3859 ( 1 ) , suggesting a positive reliability growth of this robotic system. At 95% confidence, the reliability for deposition of 65 seeds was more than 90%. Conclusions: Analyses of failure mode strongly indicated a gradual improvement of reliability of this autonomous robotic system. High MTBF implied that several prostate seed implant cases would be possible without encountering any critical failure.
Perceived need and actual demand for health insurance among rural Chinese residents

Abstract One would expect that an individual perceives a need for health insurance before making a purchase. However, simply perceiving a need for insurance is not sufficient for making a purchase. When insurance is “lumpy” individuals perceiving a need may not make a purchase if financial resources are lacking. In this paper we develop a theoretical model which differentiates need from demand for health insurance. We then empirically investigate rural health insurance demand in China. We find that factors like children, education and wealth affect perceived need differently from the way they affect demand.
Unauthorized Mexican Workers in the 1990 Los Angeles County Labour Force

By analysing how unauthorized Mexicans compare with seven other ethno-racial groups in Los Angeles County separately and collectively by educational attainment and time spent in the U.S. we find that unauthorized Mexicans had relatively fewer years of formal education (either in the U.S. or in Mexico) and had been in the U.S. a relatively fewer number of years than in-migrants of other ethno-racial backgrounds in 1990. These findings are then used as proxies to compare the human capital endowments of different ethno-racial groups. We next estimate the number of unauthorized Mexicans by occupation industry and class of worker and compare these distributions with the total labour force and with the other ethno-racial groups in Los Angeles County....Results show that amounts of human capital are positively related to the kinds of occupations filled. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA) (EXCERPT)
A Skeleton in the Atherosclerosis Closet

Routine chest x-rays often reveal calcium mineral deposits of the aorta and cardiac valves, sometimes with a density comparable to that of bone. Since atherosclerosis in the early 1900s was long dismissed as a passive, degenerative, inevitable process of aging, interest in its mechanism has been limited. Calcification in the coronary arteries has been widely regarded as uncommon. Recently, two new imaging methods, ultrafast computed tomography (UFCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), have changed this impression by revealing mineral deposits in the vast majority of significant lesions and in 90% of patients with coronary artery disease.1 2 UFCT and IVUS studies showed the unexpected result that coronary calcification occurs in the absence of coronary narrowing. In the simplest terms, where there is coronary calcification, there is usually atherosclerosis, but not necessarily stenosis. Some take this to mean that calcification is not a useful marker because it does not diagnose coronary narrowing specifically. Another interpretation is that calcification is a useful marker of early coronary atherosclerosis, in that it occurs long before end-stage disease, during the stage of compensatory enlargement. If this is so—and it agrees with reports of calcification in very young patients with familial hypercholesterolemia3 —coronary calcification may turn out to be useful as a marker for early, not necessarily stenotic, atherosclerosis. Contributing to the notion that calcification is uncommon is the absence of calcified lesions among textbook examples of vascular disease. One reason may be that early calcium deposits are washed out by routine histological preparation.4 In addition, selection bias may occur at several levels: harvesting calcified specimens dulls scalpel blades, sectioning calcified specimens without decalcification damages microtome blades, and fragmentation and strewing of the mineral across sections results in messy photomicrographs unsuitable for publication. In this issue of Circulation , O’Brien and colleagues5 provide …
Will we see data repositories for telehealth activity in the near future

Policy-makers and researchers lament the absence of telehealth registries to enhance knowledge regarding outcomes and efficacy of telehealth interventions. A number of different organizations operate registries, but there do not appear to be any true telehealth registries. One reason is that federal requirements through such policies as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) have led to heightened fear of inadvertently releasing confidential or unauthorized information. Also, it would be more efficient if patient data were captured electronically at the local level, ideally through electronic medical records (EMRs), and then transferred electronically to registries. However, the diffusion of EMRs at the local level is in its infancy. As a result, it is unlikely that we will see a comprehensive telehealth data repository within the next decade.
Sperm chemotaxis in the hydromedusae. I. Species-specificity and sperm behavior

Egg extracts from 32 species of marine hydromedusae, siphonophores and sessile hydroids were tested for sperm attracting activity using the sperm of all species in both homo- and heterospecific combinations. Species-specific sperm chemotaxis could be demonstrated in nearly every species tested. Of the 1,024 possible combinations, 272 could not be attempted for lack of material. Of the 752 which were carried out, only 13 heterospecific cross-reactions were found. The bulk of these involved reactions which were either weaker in the heterospecific direction or unidirectional. The sperm behavior in response to both homospecific and heterospecific egg extracts is described. In the latter case, no changes in sperm motility or direction of movement were observed. In the former case, the sperm show turning behavior which brings them closer to the source of the extract. Since most of the Hydrozoa tested share the same habitat and are reproductively active at the same time of year, it appears that species-specific sperm chemotaxis may be a significant mechanism for both ensuring fertilization in an environment which subjects the gametes to massive dilution and preventing hybridization.
An algorithm for gene frequency changes for linked autosomal loci based on genetic algebras

Abstract The algebra for linked autosomal loci in diploid organisms is described and reduced to an algorithm for computing genotype distributions after n generations of random mating, given the initial population and the recombination probabilities among loci.
Health literacy and medication understanding among hospitalized adults

Background Patients’ ability to accurately report their pre-admission medications is a vital aspect of medication reconciliation and may affect subsequent medication adherence and safety. Little is known about predictors of pre-admission medication understanding.
Multiresolution stochastic hybrid shape models with fractal priors

3D shape modeling has received enormous attention in computer graphics and computer vision over the past decade. Several shape modeling techniques have been proposed in literature, some are local (distributed parameter) while others are global (lumped parameter) in terms of the parameters required to describe the shape. Hybrid models that combine both ends of this parameter spectrum have been in vogue only recently. However, they do not allow a smooth transition between the two extremes of this parameter spectrum.We introduce a new shape-modeling scheme that can transform smoothly from local to global models or vice versa. The modeling scheme utilizes a hybrid primitive called the deformable superquadric constructed in an orthonormal wavelet basis. The multiresolution wavelet basis provides the power to continuously transform from local to global shape deformations and thereby allow for a continuum of shape models—from those with local to those with global shape descriptive power—to be created. The multiresolution wavelet basis allows us to generate fractal surfaces of arbitrary order that can be useful in describing natural detail.We embed these multiresolution shape models in a probabilistic framework and use them for recovery of anatomical structures in the human brain from MRI data. A salient feature of our modeling scheme is that it can naturally allow for the incorporation of prior statistics of a rich variety of shapes. This stems from the fact that, unlike other modeling schemes, in our modeling, we require relatively few parameters to describe a large class of shapes.
Can preimplantation genetic diagnosis overcome recurrent pregnancy failure

Purpose of reviewPreimplantation genetic diagnosis is widely used for the detection of embryo aneuploidy before implantation, with the aim of avoiding miscarriage or pregnancy termination of an aneuploid fetus. The majority of first trimester miscarriages occur due to chromosomal imbalances. The aim
Multiplex genotype analysis of invasive carcinoma and accompanying proliferative lesions microdissected from breast tissue.

To understand the genetic basis of breast cancer in a comprehensive way, purported precursor lesions need to be analyzed at a large number of genetic marker loci and compared with each other and with the invasive components. However, the microscopic size of most of these lesions and the very small amount of material that can be obtained through microdissection limit the number of loci that can be included in the analysis. To address this issue, a multiplex genotyping approach has been developed. With this approach, polymorphic sequences at 28 marker loci were amplified simultaneously from the microdissected components in 5-μm paraffin-embedded breast tissue sections. The genotypes of the lesions were determined after resolving the amplified allelic products by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Because the material isolated from each lesion in a single 5-μm section was sufficient for several 28-locus assays and several successive tissue sections with the same set of lesions may be prepared, it is possible to determine the genotype of each lesion at hundreds of genetic marker loci that may well cover the human genome. Analyzing a sufficient number of cases may yield information that could be used to understand the genetic basis of breast cancer development in a comprehensive way.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES ON THE CONTRACTILE MECHANISM OF SMOOTH MUSCLE

Fresh taenia coli and chicken gizzard smooth muscle were studied in the contracted and relaxed states. Thick and thin filaments were observed in certain (but not all) cells fixed in contraction. Relaxed smooth muscle contained only thin filaments. Several other morphological differences were observed between contracted and relaxed smooth muscle. The nuclear chromatin is clumped in contraction and evenly dispersed in the relaxed state. The sarcolemma is more highly vesiculated in contraction than in relaxation. In contraction, the sarcoplasm also appears more electron opaque. Over-all morphological differences between cells fixed in isometric and in unloaded contraction were also noticeable. The results suggest a sliding filament mechanism of smooth muscle contraction; however, in smooth muscle, unlike striated muscle, the thick filaments appear to be in a highly labile condition in the contractile process. The relation between contraction and a possible change in pH is also discussed.
Families in need of domestic violence services reported to the child welfare system: Changes in the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being between 1999-2000 and 2008-2009

This study aimed to determine if identification of intimate partner violence (IPV) has improved by caseworkers that investigate reports of child maltreatment and if mothers who are victims of IPV are more likely to report receipt of services. The study data were drawn from the two cohorts of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW I and II), the first in 1999-2000 with a sample of 5,501 children reported for maltreatment and the second in 2008-2009 with a sample of 5,872 children reported for maltreatment. The analyses focused on IPV victimization of 3,625 mothers in NSCAW I and 3,351 mothers in NSCAW II whose children remained in home after the maltreatment investigation. Multiple group logistic regression was used to compare NSCAW I and II. A significant decrease in mother-reported IPV victimization (28.9-24.7%) was observed, representing a 15% decline. There were no significant changes in caseworker identification of history of domestic violence or active domestic violence. In both cohorts, substance abuse by the secondary caregiver was associated with a lower likelihood for the caseworker to miss a history of active domestic violence, while substantiation reduced the likelihood that the caseworker will miss active domestic violence. There were no changes in caseworkers' service referral, or service receipt among victims. The next decade of efforts to reduce IPV and child maltreatment should focus simultaneously on increasing caseworkers' ability to identify IPV and on funding needed services for families impacted by IPV and child maltreatment. Language: en
Endoscopic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pancreatic tumors

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) can provide high resolution images of the pancreatic parenchyma. Complete visualization of the pancreas requires scanning from positions in the duodenum and stomach. Current clinical experience indicates that EUS is a useful adjunct to standard imaging in the evaluation of suspected pancreatic tumors. Improvements in technique and instruments are necessary to broaden the clinical application of EUS in pancreatic disease.
Copper Working Technologies, Contexts of Use, and Social Complexity in the Eastern Woodlands of Native North America

The creative ways in which native North American peoples of the Eastern Woodlands utilized copper throughout prehistory present provocative contrasts to models of Old World metallurgical development. Archaeological approaches that incorporate laboratory methods into investigations of indigenous metalworking practice have brought new insights and raised new questions about the development and use of techniques, sources of materials, and the social dynamics of copper consumption. This paper integrates the results of these studies into a discussion of copper use in Old Copper, Hopewellian, and Mississippian traditions that focuses on illuminating the complex relations among levels of technological sophistication in the manipulation of the material itself, the often elaborate and meaning-laden contexts in which artifacts were used, and the relative social complexity of the cultures that supported copper procurement, transformation, and use. It is suggested that ‘technological style’ approaches will assist archaeologists in efforts to flesh out culture-specific aspects of its consumption.
A Conceptual and Empirical Review of the Structure of Assessment Center Dimensions

Although the design, scoring, and interpretation of assessment centers (ACs) commonly focuses on job-relevant dimensions, over three decades of past studies have questioned the evidentiary basis underlying dimension-based interpretations of ACs. This review combines multiple approaches to examine the structure of AC dimensions. First, we consulted the AC, job performance, leadership, and personality literatures to articulate competing models of the dimensions underlying AC ratings. Next, meta-analytic confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to compare the fit of these models to existing AC data. The results supported a model including administrative skills, relational skills, and drive. Third, socioanalytic theory was used as a basis to examine the nomological network of these three broad factors, specifically their relationships with general mental ability and the five factor model of personality. The analyses supported the nomological network of drive and administrative skills but less so for relati...
Algorithm for the identification of malfunctioning sensors in the control systems of segmented mirror telescopes

The active control systems of segmented mirror telescopes are vulnerable to a malfunction of a few (or even one) of their segment edge sensors, the effects of which can propagate through the entire system and seriously compromise the overall telescope image quality. Since there are thousands of such sensors in the extremely large telescopes now under development, it is essential to develop fast and efficient algorithms that can identify bad sensors so that they can be removed from the control loop. Such algorithms are nontrivial; for example, a simple residual-to-the-fit test will often fail to identify a bad sensor. We propose an algorithm that can reliably identify a single bad sensor and we extend it to the more difficult case of multiple bad sensors. Somewhat surprisingly, the identification of a fixed number of bad sensors does not necessarily become more difficult as the telescope becomes larger and the number of sensors in the control system increases.
Understanding the 30‐year Barbados desert dust record

Atmospheric mineral aerosols influence climate and biogeochemistry, and thus understanding the impact of humans on mineral aerosols is important. Our longest continuous record of in situ atmospheric desert dust measurements comes from Barbados, which shows fluctuations of a factor of 4 in surface mass concentrations between the 1960s and the 1980s [Prospero and Nees, 1986]. Understanding fluctuations this large should help us understand how natural and anthropogenic factors change mineral aerosol sources, transport, distributions, and deposition, although we are limited in our ability to interpret the results as there is a quantitative record only at one location. We test the hypothesis that dry topographic lows (and not disturbed sources such as cultivated areas or new desert regions) are the sources of desert dust, using a hierarchy of models as well meteorological data sets to look at decadal scale changes in the North Atlantic desert dust. We find that the inclusion of a disturbed source improves our simulations in many (but not all) comparisons. Unfortunately, we are severely limited by the accuracy of the available data sets and models in making definitive statements about the role of disturbed sources or anthropogenic activity in changing the atmospheric desert dust cycle. Processes that might change the size or intensity of desert dust sources in North Africa (such as new sources due to desertification or land use) may be difficult to distinguish from topographic low sources in models due to their similar geographical locations and impact on atmospheric aerosol distributions.
Programs to Locate Missing and Critically Wandering Elders: A Critical Review and a Call for Multiphasic Evaluation.

As America ages, greater numbers of older adults will be living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, leading to increased incidence of wandering. Currently there are several initiatives to assist older adults who go missing. We describe and critically examine three prominent and widespread programs: Safe Return, Project Lifesaver, and Silver Alert. Despite their emergence, there has been little research on their effectiveness. More fundamentally, the nature and scope of the missing elder problem is understudied. We call for further research into this issue, as well as assessments of how well such programs balance individual liberties with safety concerns.
Intrathecal morphine in two patients undergoing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest during aortic surgery -A case report-

We retrospectively report the first use of intrathecal morphine prior to incision in two male patients undergoing a complex aortic reconstruction, who required complete circulatory arrest under deep hypothermia for intraoperative and postoperative pain control. We administered intrathecal morphine to two male patients undergoing circulatory arrest and deep hypothermia. Patients were fully heparinized prior to cardiopulmonary bypass. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was performed by cooling the patients to 18℃. Following the surgery, the neurologic status was monitored. The management of postoperative pain is a quality standard in health care. During the first 24 hours after surgery, we observed excellent analgesia without the associated side effects, thus, reducing the time required for pain control by the nursing staff. A successful analgetic strategy not only enhances the patient satisfaction, but may improve the postoperative outcome. However, complications, such as increased risk of epidural hematoma formation, are of special concern in cardiac surgery.
Efficient distributed channel allocation for mobile cellular networks

There are two approaches to design a distributed channel allocation algorithms: search and update. The update approach has shorter acquisition delay and lower call blocking rate, but higher message complexity. On the other hand, the search approach has lower message complexity, but longer acquisition delay and higher call blocking rate. In this paper we first propose a novel distributed acquisition algorithm, which has similar message complexity as the search approach and similar acquisition delay as the update approach. Then, we present a channel selection algorithm and integrate it into our distributed acquisition algorithm. By a rigorous analysis in terms of delay and message complexity, we show that our channel acquisition algorithm performs significantly better than the update approach (Dong and Lai 1997) and the search approach (Prakash et al. 1995). Detailed simulation experiments are carried out in order to evaluate our proposed methodology. The performance of our algorithm is compared with those of the geometric strategy (Baiocchi et al. 1995), the search approach, and the update approach. Simulation results show that our algorithm outperforms all other approaches in terms of call blocking probability under uniform as well as non-uniform traffic.
A Trigonotarbid Arachnid from the Pennsylvanian of Kansas

Two new specimens of a trigonotarbid arachnid are described from Upper Pennsylvanian (Virgilian) rocks of Kansas, U.S.A., from a horizon which elsewhere has yielded scorpion and mite remains. They are the first representatives of the arachnid order Trigonotarbida to be found in Kansas. The specimens are referred to the genus Anthracomartus but are not identified to species pending revision of the American anthracomartids.
A Genomic Analysis of Cellular Responses and Adaptions to Extracellular Acidosis

Even though lactic acidosis is a prominent feature of solid tumors, we have limited understanding of the mechanisms by which lactic acidosis influences the genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, and metabolic phenotypes of cancer cells. This chapter aims to (1) briefly outline the tumor microenvironment and how acidity relates to its biology; (2) briefly discuss traditional hypothesis-driven or single-gene studies that have explored cancer cells’ responses to acidosis or lactic acidosis; (3) explain what we have learned from “-omics” approaches that have been applied to studying cellular response to acid and lactic acid; and (4) reflect on the projections of these studies in (2) and (3) to in vivo human tumor biology and how we can use this information to better inform disease treatments.