cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peri-operative mortality and long-term survival after total pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a population-based perspective.

Background and Objectives Many surgeons perceive total pancreatectomy (TP) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma to be associated with inferior outcomes compared to partial pancreatectomy (PP), such as pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP). We sought to analyze peri-operative mortality and long-term survival following TP versus PP for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to identify patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma (1998–2004). Survival after TP versus PP was compared by tumor location. Results Of 3280 patients with resected pancreatic head tumors, 292 underwent TP, and 2988 PD. One-month mortality was 9.0% for TP and 6.5% for PD (P = 0.11). Of 315 patients with resected body/tail tumors, 32 underwent TP, and 283 DP. One-month mortality was 9.3% for TP and 3.9% for DP (P = 0.17). Of 426 patients with resected tumors in unspecified pancreatic locations, 52 underwent TP, and 374 PP. One-month mortality was 5.8% for TP and 6.5% for PP (P = 0.87). Survival analyses demonstrated no difference between TP and PP (hazard ratio (HR) 1.06, P = 0.49 for head; HR 0.84, P = 0.51 for body/tail; HR 1.06, P = 0.79 for unspecified locations). Conclusions Peri-operative mortality and long-term survival are similar following TP versus PP for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, supporting the use of TP when oncologically appropriate. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99: 87–92. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The SORCE Science Data System

The SORCE Science Data System produces total solar irradiance (TSI) and spectral solar irradiance (SSI) data products on a daily basis, which are formulated using measurements from the four primary instruments onboard the SORCE spacecraft. The Science Data System utilizes raw spacecraft and instrument telemetry, calibration data, and other ancillary information to produce and distribute a variety of data products that have been corrected for all known instrumental and operational effects. SORCE benefits from a highly optimized object-oriented data processing system in which all data are stored in a commercial relational database system, and the software itself determines the versions of data products at run-time. This unique capability facilitates optimized data storage and CPU utilization during reprocessing activities by requiring only new data versions to be generated and stored. This paper provides an overview of the SORCE data processing system, details its design, implementation, and operation, and provides details on how to access SORCE science data products.
Military sexual trauma: an application of the Toxic Triangle Model

Sexual assault in the military is an intolerable problem. A challenge in dealing with this problem has been the lack of a conceptual framework for comprehensively organizing needed interventions. Adapting the Toxic Triangle model developed by Padilla, Hogan, and Kaiser (2007), we examine military sexual assault from the interacting perspectives of conducive environments, destructive leaders, and susceptible followers. These components support tactical interventions, many of which can be conducted through the existing infrastructure of training and professional military education. Interventions include better leader development, accountability, and assertive followership.
Characterization of low-level mixed waste sludges: Identifying and controlling sources of variability

Abstract Over the course of several years, we have examined the viability of treating low-level mixed wastes from several US Department of Energy (DOE) sites by vitrification. In particular, extensive studies have been performed on actual low-level mixed wastes from the Fernald site in Ohio. We have shown that it is possible to produce durable glasses (pass the US EPA TCLP test and perform comparably to high-level waste glasses on the PCT test) with waste loadings of 80–98%. The results of these vitrification studies have been used to up-scale from laboratory scale melters to a demonstration-scale melter operating at the Fernald site with a nominal glass production rate of 300 kg/day. This paper focuses on the difficulties that we have encountered in characterizing and working with actual waste sludges and the solutions that we have developed.
Staining Method for Protein Analysis by Capillary Gel Electrophoresis

A novel staining method and the associated fluorescent dye were developed for protein analysis by capillary SDS-PAGE. The method strategy is to synthesize a pseudo-SDS dye and use it to replace some of the SDS in SDS-protein complexes so that the protein can be fluorescently detected. The pseudo-SDS dye consists of a long, straight alkyl chain connected to a negative charged fluorescent head and binds to proteins just as SDS. The number of dye molecules incorporated with a protein depends on the dye concentration relative to SDS in the sample solution, since SDS and dye bind to proteins competitively. In this work, we synthesized a series of pseudo-SDS dyes, and tested their performances for capillary SDS-PAGE. FT-16 (a fluorescein molecule linked with a hexadodecyl group) seemed to be the best among all the dyes tested. Although the numbers of dye molecules bound to proteins (and the fluorescence signals from these protein complexes) were maximized in the absence of SDS, high-quality separations were obtained when co-complexes of SDS-protein-dye were formed. The migration time correlates well with protein size even after some of the SDS in the SDS-protein complexes was replaced by the pseudo-SDS dye. Under optimized experimental conditions and using a laser-induced fluorescence detector, limits of detection of as low as 0.13 ng/mL (bovine serum albumin) and dynamic ranges over 5 orders of magnitude in which fluorescence response is proportional to the square root of analyte concentration were obtained. The method and dye were also tested for separations of real-world samples from E. coli.
Observations of the effect of wind on the cooling of active lava flows

[1] We present the first direct observations of the cooling of active lava flows by the wind. We confirm that atmospheric convective cooling processes (i.e., the wind) dominate heat loss over the lifetime of a typical pahoehoe lava flow. In fact, the heat extracted by convection is greater than predicted, especially at wind speeds less than 5 m/s and surface temperatures less than 400°C. We currently estimate that the atmospheric heat transfer coefficient is about 45–50 W m−2 K−1 for a 10 m/s wind and a surface temperature ∼500°C. Further field experiments and theoretical studies should expand these results to a broader range of surface temperatures and wind speeds.
Relative rates of fluvial bedrock incision on Titan and Earth

[1] Observations of likely fluvial channels on the surface of Titan, along with Titan's geologically youthful surface, motivate this study of comparative fluvial erosion rates on Titan and the Earth. The roles of bedload abrasion, suspended load abrasion, plucking, and cavitation are considered. Despite orders of magnitude differences in some of the physical parameters that control fluvial incision on Titan and the Earth, incision rates on Titan are likely to be similar to terrestrial rates, given similar conditions of slope, discharge, and sediment supply.
Analysis of three-dimensional fracture mechanics problems: A two-scale approach using coarse-generalized FEM meshes

This paper presents a generalized finite element method (GFEM) based on the solution of interdependent global (structural) and local (crack)-scale problems. The local problems focus on the resolution of fine-scale features of the solution in the vicinity of three-dimensional cracks, while the global problem addresses the macro-scale structural behavior. The local solutions are embedded into the solution space for the global problem using the partition of unity method. The local problems are accurately solved using an hp-GFEM and thus the proposed method does not rely on analytical solutions. The proposed methodology enables accurate modeling of three-dimensional cracks on meshes with elements that are orders of magnitude larger than the process zone along crack fronts. The boundary conditions for the local problems are provided by the coarse global mesh solution and can be of Dirichlet, Neumann or Cauchy type. The effect of the type of local boundary conditions on the performance of the proposed GFEM is analyzed. Several three-dimensional fracture mechanics problems aimed at investigating the accuracy of the method and its computational performance, both in terms of problem size and CPU time, are presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonpulsatile Mode of Blood Flow Required for Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Total Body Perfusion

Abstract: Higher morbidity and mortality rates are seen after the use of cardiopulmonary bypass in infants and elderly patients. Clinical procedures acceptable for adult patients may not be acceptable for them. Infants require more effective tissue gas exchange or tissue perfusion because of their active metabolic status. On the other hand, vascular systems of elderly patients are more rigid and do not have enough reserve capacity for nonpulsatile perfusion compared to young adults. More effective tissue perfusion is needed for them during cardiopulmonary bypass. Traditionally, we utilize a nonphysiological, non-pulsatile pump and perfuse the patients with bypass flows below their resting cardiac outputs (70–80%). In our experience, in general, it is necessary to have approximately 20% higher cardiac output in cases where we use a nonpulsatile mode of total body perfusion compared with a pulsatile mode of perfusion. In addition, higher bypass flow is expected to be required for infants because of their higher metabolic rate and for elderly patients because of their more rigid vascular structure.
Prolongation of Chemically-Induced Methemoglobinemia in Mice Lacking α-synuclein: A Novel Pharmacologic and Toxicologic Phenotype.

The protein α-synuclein is considered central to the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD) on genetic and histopathological grounds. It is widely expressed in fetal life and continues to be highly expressed in adult neural tissues, red blood cells and platelets, while the remainder of adult tissues are reported to have little or no expression. Despite cellular and molecular evidence for a role in neuronal function including synaptic vesicle trafficking, neurotransmitter release, mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and neuromelanin biosynthesis, mice ablated for the gene encoding α-synuclein (Snca) have little or no neurological phenotype. Thus, nearly 20 years of intensive study have yet to reveal conclusively what the normal function of this highly abundant protein is in the nervous system. Interestingly, α-synuclein has also been shown to have enzymatic activity as a ferrireductase capable of reducing Fe+3 to Fe+2. Given its abundant expression in red blood cells, we set out to explore the role of α-synuclein in converting chemically-induced Fe+3 methemoglobin to normal Fe+2 hemoglobin. Initial in vivo experiments with the potent methemoglobin inducer, para-aminopropiophenone and its active metabolite, 4-hydroxy para-aminopropiophenone, demonstrated significantly greater and more prolonged methemoglobinemia in Snca−/− mice compared to Snca+/+ mice. In vitro experiments with red blood cells, however, and in vivo experiments in genetically engineered mouse strains that differ in their α-synuclein expression in various tissues, including the nervous system, red blood cells and liver, revealed that contrary to the initial hypothesis, a lack of expression of α-synuclein in red blood cells did not correlate with higher levels or more prolonged duration of methemoglobinemia. Instead, the greater sensitivity to chemically induced methemoglobinemia correlated with the absence of hepatic α-synuclein expression. We have uncovered a new and robust whole-animal phenotype in mice lacking α-synuclein that reflects its hitherto unrecognized role in xenobiotic detoxification.
Fund assortments, gender, and retirement plan participation

Purpose – This paper seeks to promote an understanding of gender effects on retirement plan participation as a function of fund assortment size.Design/methodology/approach – A decision simulation was conducted among 349 US adults whose task was to invest in a hypothetical 401(k) retirement plan. The number of mutual funds offered for investment was varied and the effects on the incidence and extent of participation observed.Findings – The results indicate that larger fund assortments tend to reduce participation among women, but increase it among men.Research limitations/implications – Replication in other contexts and with other data sets would be worthwhile.Practical implications – To enhance retirement plan adoption/participation, financial service firms may want to tailor such plans according to gender (and other consumer characteristics) according to the present set of findings.Originality/value – First time authors are aware that the interaction between gender and assortment size is examined.
CONFIGURATION MIXING EFFECTS IN DIRECT REACTIONS.

Abstract The “direct” transfer of a nucleon in stripping and pick-up reactions is a more complicated process than suggested by the picture of insertion of the nucleon into a single-particle well; for an accurate evaluation of the form factors one should take into account configuration mixing in the target and residual nuclei. Form-factor equations, previously derived by Pinkston and Satchler and by Berggren, are rederived by an alternative variational method. A general method for practical calculations of form factors by solving these equations is given. The method can be regarded as a one-step iteration of the form factor equations in which the inhomogeneous term is approximated from the usual shell-model calculation. Such “structure-stripping” calculations are performed for 58Ni, 57Ni and the resulting form factors are used to study (p, d) and (d, t) reactions on 58Ni. In the (p, d) calculations a somewhat improved fit is obtained for the angular distribution for the f 5 2 pick-up to the 0.78- MeV ( 5 2− ) state of 57Ni. The remaining discrepancy between theory and experiment shows that effects other than those relating to the form factor must also be examined to explain the observed angular distribution. The 58Ni(d, t)57Ni calculation for the f 5 2 pick-up indicates that the spectroscopic factor obtained by using the conventional “well-depth” (or “separation-energy”) prescription for the form factor can be in error by as much as 50 %. A simpler phenomenological method to generate form factors is also given. This method uses the same Saxon-Woods parameters (V0, R0, a, Vs0) for calculating all form factors for transitions between two given nuclei, and, at the same time, insures a correct tail (governed by the actual separation energy) for each form factor. This method is of restricted applicability.
A randomized trial of an intervention to improve use and adherence to effective coronary heart disease prevention strategies

Efficacious strategies for the primary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) are underused, and, when used, have low adherence. Existing efforts to improve use and adherence to these efficacious strategies have been so intensive that they are impractical for clinical practice. We conducted a randomized trial of a CHD prevention intervention (including a computerized decision aid and automated tailored adherence messages) at one university general internal medicine practice. After obtaining informed consent and collecting baseline data, we randomized patients (men and women age 40-79 with no prior history of cardiovascular disease) to either the intervention or usual care. We then saw them for two additional study visits over 3 months. For intervention participants, we administered the decision aid at the primary study visit (1 week after baseline visit) and then mailed 3 tailored adherence reminders at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. We assessed our outcomes (including the predicted likelihood of angina, myocardial infarction, and CHD death over 10 years (CHD risk) and self-reported adherence) between groups at 3 month follow-up. Data collection occurred from June 2007 through December 2009. All study procedures were IRB approved. We randomized 160 eligible patients (81 intervention; 79 control) and followed 96% to study conclusion. Mean predicted CHD risk at baseline was 11.3%. The intervention increased self-reported adherence to chosen risk reducing strategies by 25 percentage points (95% CI 8% to 42%), with the biggest effect for aspirin. It also changed predicted CHD risk by -1.1% (95% CI -0.16% to -2%), with a larger effect in a pre-specified subgroup of high risk patients. A computerized intervention that involves patients in CHD decision making and supports adherence to effective prevention strategies can improve adherence and reduce predicted CHD risk. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00494052
Simulating the microbond technique with macrodroplets

Abstract In this study, the microbond technique has been simulated by the use of macrodroplets. These larger scale specimens consisted of cone-shaped epoxy droplets of length 6 mm, on 1 mm diameter steel wire. The specimens were formed reproducibly in a mold to provide 30 ° and 45 ° contact angles between fiber and resin. The model geometry was used to examine the effects of contact angle, loading position, and loading type (point versus axisymmetric loading) on the debonding strength. The results indicated that a higher debonding strength was achieved at the higher contact angle and at loading positions farther from the tip of the cone-shaped drop. When the load was applied near the tip of the drop, which is typical in microbond experiments, there was no statistical difference in debonding strength for point loading and axisymmetric loading. Finally, with the macrodroplets, it was possible to visually observe a three-stage debonding process.
Photoeffects in thin film chromophore-quencher assemblies: variations in the light absorber

Abstract The abilities of a variety of inorganic and organic compounds to act as electron transfer quenchable light absorbers in thin polymeric films have been examined. The compounds, each of which contains a primary amine, were chemically bound in precast chlorosulfonated polystyrene films by sulfonamide bond formation. Visible photolysis of the films in the presence of an oxidative quencher and a reductive scavenger leads to a sustained photocurrent response from 14 of the 18 compounds studied. Differences in the photocurrent output as the chromophore is changed can be explained qualitatively based on a kinetic model whose key steps are optical excitation of the absorber followed by excited state electron transfer.
Heat transfer in composite media subject to distributed sources, and time-dependent discrete sources and surroundings

Abstract The equation for the temperature distribution in each of k sections of a composite is solved. The composite consists of k discrete plates, cylinders of spheres, each of different material solidly joined at their k-1 interfaces. The composite media have distributed sources, and also have k-1 discrete sources at the interfaces. The composite media additionally have an arbitrary initial temperature distribution, and are exchanging heat at their mutual external boundaries with two different, arbitrary time-dependent surroundings through two different arbitrary constant film coefficients. The solution is obtained by means of a substitution that reduces the problem to that of solving a partial differential equation with homogeneous external boundary conditions. The solution is finally developed by means of a Vodicka type of orthogonality relationship.
The fh float—measuring stretching vorticity directly

By changing the volume of an isopycnal float by a small, prescribed amount, one can force it to rise or sink to neighboring isopycnal surfaces. The pressure difference between these is a simple measurement of stratification, ΔϱΔz. This technique is adapted to the RAFOS float technology to measure stretching vorticity changes along the trajectories of floats in Gulf Stream meanders. The measurement uncertainty of the depth of an isopycnal is only a few meters, but the uncertainty of the layer thickness estimate, when measured over about 200 m, is about 7 m due to differential advection of small scale density structure. This includes all periods between the 8 × day−1 sampling rate of the prototype float and 1 day. The records from two floats are discussed in detail. As the floats up- or downwell and are expelled from the Gulf Stream, order 10–20% changes in stretching vorticity are observed. Particularly along the cyclonic edge of the current the changes can be quite abrupt corresponding to 1–2 × 10−6s−1 horizontal divergences. The changes in curvature vorticity, estimated from the float trajectories, are, by and large, weaker and tend to evolve more gradually. On the assumption that potential vorticity is conserved, changes in shear can be estimated. For the two cases discussed, one shows suggestive similarity with what might be expected using a “frozen field” model of downstream velocity. The other retains strong negative shear after expulsion from the stream, which may be indicative of an anticyclonic circulation just south of a meander crest.
The UPEC Pore-Forming Toxin α-Hemolysin Triggers Proteolysis of Host Proteins to Disrupt Cell Adhesion, Inflammatory, and Survival Pathways

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which are the leading cause of both acute and chronic urinary tract infections, often secrete a labile pore-forming toxin known as α-hemolysin (HlyA). We show that stable insertion of HlyA into epithelial cell and macrophage membranes triggers degradation of the cytoskeletal scaffolding protein paxillin and other host regulatory proteins, as well as components of the proinflammatory NFκB signaling cascade. Proteolysis of these factors requires host serine proteases, and paxillin degradation specifically involves the serine protease mesotrypsin. The induced activation of mesotrypsin by HlyA is preceded by redistribution of mesotrypsin precursors from the cytosol into foci along microtubules and within nuclei. HlyA intoxication also stimulated caspase activation, which occurred independently of effects on host serine proteases. HlyA-induced proteolysis of host proteins likely allows UPEC to not only modulate epithelial cell functions, but also disable macrophages and suppress inflammatory responses.
Special purpose hybrid transfinite elements and unified computational methodology for accurately predicting thermoelastic stress waves

This paper represents an attempt to apply extensions of a hybrid transfinite element computational approach for accurately predicting thermoelastic stress waves. The applicability of the present formulations for capturing the thermal stress waves induced by boundary heating for the well known Danilovskaya problems is demonstrated. A unique feature of the proposed formulations for applicability to the Danilovskaya problem of thermal stress waves in elastic solids lies in the hybrid nature of the unified formulations and the development of special purpose transfinite elements in conjunction with the classical Galerkin techniques and transformation concepts. Numerical test cases validate the applicability and superior capability to capture the thermal stress waves induced due to boundary heating.
Mammary cell number, proliferation, and apoptosis during a bovine lactation: relation to milk production and effect of bST.

This investigation evaluated mammary cell loss and replacement during lactation and the impact of administration of bST on these processes. During lactation, a gradual decrease in number of mammary epithelial cells within the mammary glands occurs and largely accounts for the decline in milk production with advancing lactation. This decrease is not appreciably impacted by the loss of viable epithelial cells in milk. Rather, the net decline in cell number (∼50% during the entire lactation) results from continual death by apoptosis. Accompanying the decline in mammary cell number by apoptosis is a degree of cell renewal. Approximately 0.3% of mammary cells in lactating, nonpregnant cows were labeled by a 24-h in vivo treatment with the thymidine analog, bromodeoxyuridine. During the entire lactation, the number of new cells amounts to approximately 50% of the number of cells initially present. By the end of lactation, most cells present in the mammary gland were formed after calving. Increasing cell replacement or decreasing apoptosis during lactation may provide a means to increase persistency of lactation. Indeed, administration of bST to Holstein cows during midlactation increased the proportion of mammary epithelial cells expressing the nuclear proliferation antigen, Ki-67, from 0.5 to 1.6%. Bovine somatotropin appears to increase the rate of cell renewal in the lactating mammary gland. Knowledge of molecular regulation of apoptosis and cell proliferation should provide a means to modulate cell turnover in the mammary gland. A change in the ratio of epithelial proliferation to cell death during lactation will affect the persistency of lactation.
Repeated seizures increase GFAP and vimentin in the hippocampus

Reactive gliosis is a response of astrocytes to a variety of insults that is characterized by hypertrophy of the cell bodies and processes and an increase in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The signal that regulates the transition to the reactive state and the role of vimentin in reactive gliosis are unknown. The experiments here used a model of repeated seizures in the hippocampal-parahippocampal circuits to determine the extent and time course of reactive gliosis, including the appearance of vimentin, in response to seizures. Reactive gliosis, detected by immunohistochemistry for the presence of GFAP and vimentin, was present 2-7 days after the repeated seizures. At least 9 seizures, or at least 250 s of seizure discharge, were needed to induce reactive gliosis. After seizures, cells staining for vimentin were found in the dentate gyrus molecular layer and hilar region, as well as in the molecular layer of CA1. Fewer cells were stained in the CA3 region. These experiments demonstrate that repeated discrete seizures of the hippocampal-parahippocampal circuits can cause reactive gliosis and localized induction of a glial protein (vimentin) that is not normally expressed in the adult brain.
Comparison of the effects of microtubule-associated protein 2 and tau on the packing density of in vitro assembled microtubules

I have compared the effects of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and tau on the packing density of sedimented microtubules. Microtubules assembled in vitro in taxol were pelleted by centrifugation. The volumes of the resulting pellets were calculated from their weights assuming a specific gravity of 1 and then were normalized to the amount of protein in the pellet, yielding a value for pellet specific volume in microliter/mg of protein. The specific volume of the pellets reflects the intermicrotubule spacing within the pellet. Microtubules were assembled from tubulin alone or tubulin plus various amounts of MAP-2 or tau and collected by centrifugation, and the pellet specific volume was measured. The specific volume of microtubules composed of pure tubulin ranged from 6.4 to 7.7 microliter/mg of protein. Tau had no detectable effect on this value even at saturating levels on the microtubules. In contrast, MAP-2 increased pellet specific volume as the MAP-2/tubulin weight ratio increased; at the highest ratio examined, 0.43, the pellet specific volume was approximately 33. Even at the relatively low MAP-2/tubulin ratio of 0.09, pellet specific volume was approximately 2-fold greater than that of microtubules containing tubulin alone or tubulin plus tau. Electron microscopy confirmed that the observations on pellet specific volume reflected differences in the effects of MAP-2 and tau on the packing density of sedimented microtubules. These results are discussed in the context of observations showing that neighboring microtubules are more widely spaced in dendrites than in axons and that MAP-2 is enriched on microtubules in dendrites compared to microtubules in axons, whereas the converse is true for tau.
Case Report: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome from Ertapenem

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are severe hypersensitivity related mucocutaneous reactions, characterized by extensive necrosis and detachment of the epidermis. Meropenem has been reported to cause stevens-johnson syndrome in a patient with similar reaction to cefotaxime. Penicillin and Carbapenem class of drugs share common beta-lactam ring in their molecular structure and are associated with a small risk for allergic cross-hypersensitivity. There is no clear consensus regarding the use of carbapenem class of drugs in patients with documented severe hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin group of drugs. We present a fatal case report of Stevens-Johnson syndrome from Ertapenem in a patient with previous similar reaction to Amoxicillin. We also discuss about potentially avoiding the use of carbapenem drugs in patients with severe hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin.
Simplified 2-State Detectors for SOQPSK

We study simple trellis-based detectors for SOQPSK that have a minimal level of complexity. In particular, we show that the state complexity can be cut in half relative to previous approaches?from 4 states down to 2?with asymptotically optimum performance. We give two possible means of achieving this: the pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) technique and the pulse truncation (PT) technique; both of these techniques make use of recent advances in SOQPSK technology based on a continuous phase modulation (CPM) interpretation of SOQPSK. The proposed simplifications are significant since trellis-based SOQPSK detectors are 1-2 dB superior to widely-deployed symbol-by-symbol detectors. These performance gains come at the expense of complexity, and the proposed 2-state detectors minimize this expense. Thus, these simple detection schemes are applicable in settings where high-performance and low complexity are needed to meet restrictions on power consumption and cost.
A Comparative Study of the WEIS and COPDAB Data Sets

Data from the Conflict and Peace Data Bank (COPDAB) and the World Event Interaction Survey (WEIS) reflecting United States and USSR cooperation and conflict are examined comparatively. Using the frequencies of events aggregated by month and by year, the portrayal of the history of US-Soviet interaction is first examined visually with graphs presenting the two versions of the activities of the two countries. The graphs show a number of differences in the characterization of changes in levels of cooperation and conflict, with the two data sets disagreeing on the direction of change 29% of the time. Correlations of the pairs of variables from the two data sets indicate a high degree of ‘non-consistency’ for three of the four variables examined. When a series of six hypotheses are tested, four of the six are significantly different when compared across the data sets. When conflict/cooperation ratios are calculated as a measure of ‘tension’ between the two states, these also differ considerably for WEIS and COPDAB. Whether the comparison of the COPDAB and WEIS versions of US-Soviet interaction is in the form of graphs, correlations of pairs, hypothesis tests on principles of interaction, or correlations of tension ratios, the two data sets seldom match up well. Overall, the choice of one data set rather than the other is likely to introduce variation in outcomes relating to theoretical principles and policy plans.
Spectral identification of successional stages following deforestation in the Amazon

Abstract Land use and land cover features of a 3,000 sq. km. area west of Altamira, State of Para, Brazil, along the Transamazon Highway was assessed using three dates of Landsat TM data acquired for late July/early August 1985, 2988, and 1991. These data, supplemented by field observations and interviews with land users conducted in 1992, permitted classification of nine features, including three of secondary succession (SS). The research emphasis focused on developing multitemporal field level information through remote sensing that could be used to help assess SS characteristics vital in understanding the area dynamics and processes. Research results indicate that multitemporal TM data can be used successfully to identify three SS land cover classes and their rates of change. Classification accuracy of the features of interest varied from 81 to 98 percent. Information developed from analysis of the classifications included delineation of several patterns of different speeds or rates of SS, rate and spa...
Health Problems due to Long Working Hours in Japan: Working Hours, Workers' Compensation (Karoshi), and Preventive Measures

Late in the 1970s, serious social concern over health problems due to long working hours has arisen in Japan. This report briefly summarizes the Japanese circumstances about long working hours and what the Government has achieved so far. The national statistics show that more than 6 million people worked for 60 h or more per week during years 2000 and 2004. Approximately three hundred cases of brain and heart diseases were recognized as labour accidents resulting from overwork (Karoshi) by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) between 2002 and 2005. Consequently, the MHLW has been working to establish a more appropriate compensation system for Karoshi, as well as preventive measures for overwork related health problems. In 2001, the MHLW set the standards for clearly recognizing Karoshi in association with the amount of overtime working hours. These standards were based on the results of a literature review and medical examinations indicating a relationship between overwork and brain and heart diseases. In 2002, the MHLW launched the program for the prevention of health impairment due to overwork, and in 2005 the health guidance through an interview by a doctor for overworked workers has been enacted as law. Long working hours are controversial issues because of conflicts between health, safety, work-life balance, and productivity. It is obvious that we need to continue research regarding the impact on worker health and the management of long working hours.
Stabilizing influence of double bonds on the Si(111)-(3◊1) and Ge(111)-(3◊1) surface reconstructions: new experimental evidence

Abstract We have obtained new real-space images of the filled dangling-bond states of the alkali-metal-induced (3×1) reconstruction of the Si(111) surface associated with recently proposed SiSi double-bond surface structures. Our new experimental evidence reveals significant subtle differences between this local bonding on Na/Si(111)-(3×1) and Na/Ge(111)-(3×1) which argues a strong case for the proposed ‘honeycomb chain-channel model’ but with a relaxation of a strict double-bond requirement, particularly on the germanium surface.
Global (in)security: the confluence of intelligence and will

Pessimism of the intelligence, optimism of the will – Antonio Gramsci1 1 Selections from the Prison Notebooks, trans. and ed. Quintin Hoare and Geoffrey Lowell Smith (London: Lawrence and Wishart, ...
Hyperphagia in rats produced by a mixture of fat and sugar

The hyperphagic and weight-promoting effects of feeding rats a sugar-fat mixture were compared to those of presenting only one of the two nutrients. Experimental groups were fed sugar (sucrose), fat (corn oil), or a sugar-fat mixture as an option to chow; options were in the form of water solutions or emulsions. The control group was fed only chow. The sugar-fat group displayed a robust hyperphagia (greater than 36%), relative to the control group; the hyperphagic response was greater than that observed in the fat group but not in the sugar group. The sugar-fat group selected more calories from the option than the other two experimental groups. Body weight gains were also greater in the sugar-fat group than in the fat and sugar groups. Addition of saccharin to the fat emulsion increased fat and total intakes to levels close to those of the sugar-fat mixture. In a second experiment, the relative palatability of the plain and sweet fat emulsions was assessed with two-bottle preference tests. The sugar-fat mixture was preferred to the saccharin-fat mixture, which in turn was preferred to the plain-fat emulsion. These results suggest that the sweetness of the sugar-fat mixture contributed to the pronounced hyperphagia and obesity obtained with this diet option.
Forces on Biological Particles in Electric Fields

The forces exerted by electric fields on particles suspended in biological fluids are examined. Both charged particles and polarlzable bodies are treated and expressions for the current flow under the influence of an electric field are obtained.
Boundary Element Analysis of the Time-Dependent Motion of a Semi-infinite Bubble in a Channel

We present a boundary element method to investigate the time-dependent translation of a two-dimensional bubble in a channel of width 2a containing a fluid of viscosity ? and surface tension ?. In our analysis, the flow rate, Q?, is specified, and the finger progresses forward at a nonconstant velocity until it reaches a steady-state velocity U*. The primary dimensionless parameter in the unsteady formulation is Cau = ?Q*/2a? , representing the ratio of viscous forces to surface-tension forces. Steady-state results are given in terms of the conventional form of the capillary number, Cau = ?U*/?. The steady-state shape of the finger, the pressure drop across the tip of the finger, and its radius of curvature are presented for a range of Cau much larger than has previously been published (0.05 ? Cau ? 104). Good agreement is shown to exist with the finite-difference results of Reinelt and Saffman in the range of their studies (0.05 ? Cau ? 3), and with the experimental data of Tabeling et al. whose studies extend to Cau = 0.2. Beyond Cau = 20, we predict that the steady-state meniscus interface shape is insensitive to Ca, and that the pressure drop is directly proportional to a viscous pressure scale. A regression analysis of the finger width (s) versus Cau yields s ? 1 - 0.417(1 - Exp(- 1.69 Ca0.5025u )), which gives the correct behavior for both small and large Cau. This regression result may be considered an extension of the low-capillary asymptotic predictions of Bretherton, who found a Ca2/3u dependence for Ca very small (Cau < 0.02). The result of this regression analysis is consistent with Taylor's measurements of residual film thickness in circular tubes, which shows a Ca1/2u dependence for values of Cau < 0.09.
Evaluation of psychological symptoms among presymptomatic HD gene carriers as measured by selected MMPI scales.

Abstract Individuals at-risk for Huntington disease (HD), both HD gene carriers and nongene carriers, were recruited to determine whether psychological changes are detectable among clinically presymptomatic individuals who carry the HD allele. Each participant underwent genotyping to determine HD gene carrier status and a clinical assessment that included a quantified neurological examination and an abbreviated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI): the Hypochondriasis, Depression, Psychasthenia, Neuroticism, Cynical Hostility, and Irritability Scales and the Harris Subscales of Depression. The results of the MMPI were evaluated for differences between nongene carriers (NGC) (n=363), presymptomatic gene carriers (PSGC) (n=149), and those with manifest HD (MHD) (n=26). The overall multiple analysis of variance was not significant, indicating that there was no overall difference among the three groups. However, when subscales of the MMPI were examined individually, participants with manifest HD scored higher on the Psychasthenia scale (MHD vs. PSGC, P=0.005; MHD vs. NGC, P=0.03) and the Harris Depression subscale, Brooding (MHD vs. PSGC, P=0.0005; MHD vs. NGC, P=0.003). No significant correlation was found between the number of trinucleotide repeats on the disease-producing allele and any of the MMPI scales for the gene carriers, MHD or PSGC. These results verify the presence of psychological symptoms in the early phases of MHD but not in PSGC. Thus, further study of the behavioral and mood symptoms thought to accompany HD using measures designed specifically to detect depressive symptoms and changes in behavior specific to HD is warranted to delineate the timing of onset of the psychological symptoms.
Mechanical ventilation: past lessons and the near future

The ability to compensate for life-threatening failure of respiratory function is perhaps the signature technology of intensive care medicine. Unchanging needs for providing effective life-support with minimized risk and optimized comfort have been, are now, and will be the principal objectives of providing mechanical ventilation. Important lessons acquired over nearly half-a-century of ICU care have brought us closer to meeting them, as technological advances in instrumentation now effectively put this hard-won knowledge into action. Rising demand in the face of economic constraints is likely to drive future innovations focused on reducing the need for user input, automating multi-element protocols, and carefully monitoring the patient for progress and complications.
Plague, performance and the elusive history of the Stella celi extirpavit

One of the greatest scourges of the later medieval period was plague. While there is a considerable scholarly literature tracing the impact of the dread disease on literature and art, the impermanence of performance has rendered the extension of such studies to the field of music problematic. These problems are to some extent surmountable in studying the fifteenth-century hymn Stella celi extirpavit, a Marian invocation unequivocally phrased as a plea for deliverance from illness. In this essay, it is proposed that the Stella celi is representative of the beliefs and skills shared by a broad spectrum of late medieval society in the shadow of the plague. Analysis of musical and textual features, and the contexts of performance, further suggest links with the artistic and intellectual concerns of the Franciscan Order, which may have thus enabled otherwise ephemeral music to be preserved as an enduring response to epidemic calamity.
Fostering Understanding of Institutional Oppression among U.S. Pre-Service Teachers.

Abstract This paper describes the use of an institutional inquiry assignmen t for pre-service teachers at a large state university in the US to foster critical understanding of institutional oppression. Written inquiry assignments, web-based journal entries, and class discussions with one hundred and six pre-service teacher candidates enrolled in a cultural diversity course are analyzed using interpretive qualitative methods to examine the useful aspects as well as the limitations of this assignment for helping to engage in teaching for social justice.
Tunable compact electron generated plasma system for treatment of gaseous wastes

Summary form only given. A tunable compact electron generated plasma reactor is being tested for the destruction of carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and other organics in air streams, under widely varying concentrations and conditions. The experimental device utilizes a combination of electron-beam irradiation and variable DC electric fields to destroy hazardous gases. The electron beam controls the plasma density, while the DC fields are used to affect the background electron energy and/or the temperature of the gas in order to vary the reaction rates. The electron beam irradiation produces nonequilibrium chemical reactions at low temperatures that can be used to convert organics into benign byproducts. The low-temperature, nonequilibrium operation can provide a high-efficiency, high-throughput technique for destruction of gases in dilute concentrations (< 1000 ppm). Tests indicate that the concentrations of carbon tetrachloride can be easily decreased by 2-3 orders of magnitude in the plasma reactor without the formation of other hazardous material.
Shifting the emphasis: From cost models to satellite utility or revenue models: The case for a value-centric mindset in space system design

Abstract Cost models are pervasive throughout the aerospace industry. Almost every engineer or program manager in this industry is familiar with cost models or cost estimate relationships (CER), and has at some point in his or her career performed cost analyses for a system or a subsystem. This situation is the laudable result of the emphasis over the last two decades on financial discipline in the design of complex engineering systems. Unfortunately, while cost models are pervasive throughout the aerospace industry, revenue models or utility models on the other hand are quasi-inexistent. In this paper, we argue that while the proliferation of spacecraft cost models is laudable, the absence of interest in satellite utility or revenue models is deplorable. We contend that this situation carries a number of drawbacks. For example, the situation perhaps conveys the false impression that satellites are either cost sinks, or expensive artifacts whose value or utility profile over their design lifetime is difficult to quantify and does not warrant efforts to do so. More importantly, we argue that the absence of quantitative revenue models (in the case of commercial systems) or utility models (in the case of scientific or military systems) makes it difficult to build the case for such systems to policy-makers or decision-makers, especially in the light in their exorbitant costs. Furthermore, we show that the specification and selection of a system design lifetime will always have weak arguments fraught with subjectivity in the absence of quantitative revenue or utility models. We make the case that satellites, like other complex engineering systems, should be viewed as “value-delivery artifacts.” Finally, we propose a roadmap for developing a spacecraft utility model in the case of a GEO communications satellite.
The Use of Psychiatric Medication, Human Capital, and the Amplification of Mistrust

This research investigates the relationships among willingness to utilize psychiatric medication, education, and three forms of mistrust—generalized mistrust, mistrust in physicians, and mistrust in psychiatric medication. Utilizing human capital theory and two waves of the U.S. General Social Survey (N = 2,671), our findings show a curvilinear relationship between willingness to use psychiatric drugs and education, such that individuals with less than a high school diploma and those with a college or advanced degree are more willing to use psychiatric drugs compared to those with a high school degree. Also, the effects of all three forms of mistrust are amplified and have significant, negative effects on the use of psychiatric medication among college graduates. Mistrust in physicians and mistrust in psychiatric drugs matters for high school graduates, while only mistrust in psychiatric medication impacts the use of psychotropics for those with less than a high school degree.
On the Descriptive Validity of DSM III Schizophrenia

The study sample is drawn from patients seeking evaluation in a psychiatric intake facility. It concentrates on those who are assigned a diagnosis of psychosis as stipulated in DSM III. The aim is to elucidate the distinguishing characteristics of patients diagnosed as Schizophrenia Disorder. The descriptive validity of this disorder is pursued by systematically comparing clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with this disorder to those diagnosed as Paranoid Disorder, Atypical Psychosis, Brief Reactive Psychosis, Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophreniform Disorder. These comparisons uncover special characteristics pertaining to the demography and impact of schizophrenia. The results obtained are explained using generalizations drawn from the epidemiology, natural history and clinical manifestations of schizophrenia and other psychoses.