cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The AMORE paradigm for finite element analysis

Abstract The objective in this paper is to largely review, but also give new insight into, the recent development of a novel paradigm for finite element analysis. The approach enables much easier meshing than usually performed for finite element analysis and then the computationally efficient solution of the finite element model. The important aspects of the paradigm are the automatic meshing on any given geometry (typically given by use of a CAD program or a computerized scan) with the use of overlapping and regular finite elements – hence the acronym AMORE for A utomatic M eshing with O verlapping and R egular E lements. We summarize the basic steps used in the paradigm, give the basic equations to formulate the overlapping elements, discuss specific attributes, give some applications and conjecture on the further development and use of the solution scheme. Our discussion is based on previously published work with a focus on simplifying the formulation of the overlapping elements, providing novel insight, and suggesting a notation. The paradigm has so far only been applied in the linear analyses of solids, however embodies significant potential for general and wide use in computer-aided engineering.
Borrowing for Growth: Big Pushes and Debt Sustainability in Low-Income Countries

The paper evaluates big push borrowing-and-investment programs in a new model-based framework of debt sustainability that is explicitly designed for policy analysis. The new framework is grounded i...
Microfluidic Isolation of Aptamers for Glycan Targets

This paper presents microfluidic isolation of glycan-targeting aptamers. Integrating multiple cycles of affinity selection and nucleic acid amplification in a single device, aptamers can be isolated rapidly from a randomized library of singlestranded oligonucleotides with a small amount of the target glycan and without any off-chip procedures. Experimental results are presented from microfluidic aptamer isolation for the ganglioside GM3, yielding high-affinity aptamers (with a 17.5 µM equilibrium dissociation constant) using less than 500 μg of GM3 within ~ 9 hours. These results demonstrate the potential of our approach to be used to generate aptamers as easily accessible affinity reagents for the emerging field of glycomics.
Motor-vehicle drivers' behavioral response to increased bicycle traffic.

Abstract Introduction: This paper investigates whether motor-vehicle driver behavior changes when there are more bicycles on the road. Method: Data on trips on a rapidly expanding public bike share scheme in Chicago are combined with speed violations captured by a network of 79 cameras. Using weekly data from July 2014 to December 2016, violations at 26 sites where there was a considerable increase in bicycle traffic are compared with a control group of 53 locations where rental bicycles are not available. Results: An increase in rental bicycle usage is statistically related to a reduction in the number of speeding violations, with an estimated elasticity of −0.04. Conclusion: The increased presence of bicyclists makes at least some motorists drive more cautiously. Practical Application: This research provides some insight into the mechanism behind the observed reduction in crash rates as bicyclists become more numerous. Some motorists moderate their speeds allowing more time to avoid collisions and a reduction in the severity of the vehicle-bicyclist collisions that still occur.
Right Information, Right Time, Right Place: Physical Alignment and Misalignment in Healthcare Practice

Implementation of new health information systems such as Electronic Health Records (EHR) is expected to reap many benefits. However, the transition from one information system to another is often associated with inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and patient safety hazards. These negative consequences are difficult to predict and avoid before system transitions take place. The changed physical form of information remains an unexamined facet of healthcare system transitions. Using ethnographic methods in two clinical sites, we discovered a recurrent set of problems that emerged due to physical disconnections between information and practice predicated on implementation of new information systems. "Physical misalignments" are instances where workers cannot bring information sources to hand in the precise time and place in which they are needed. We identify three types of physical misalignments, then discuss how physical misalignments can be proactively identified and corrected before, during, and after implementation of new health information systems.
Application of speckle tracking imaging for evaluation of the development of left ventricle after receiving pulmonary artery banding

Objective To identify the suitable echocardiographic predictor of speckle tracking imaging (STI) for evaluation of development of left ventricle(LV) after pulmonary artery banding (PAB).Methods Seven children older than 3 months with transposition of great arteries with intact ventricular septum (TGA) were enrolled,they received pulmonary artery banding (PAB group).Eight body surface area matched healthy children were severed as control group.Using the STI technique,the rotation curves at apex and base were analyzed.Results All the patients discharged eventually.The intraoperative LV/RV systolic pressure ratio in PAB group was (0.32 ± 0.04):1.There were no differences in ejection fraction and wall thickness between control and PAB group.However,the end diastolic diameter and end diastolic volume in PAB group was significantly reduced.Compared with the control group,the hypoplasia of LV in PAB group was associated with an extended time to peak basal rotation,and furthermore,the basal and global torsion was significantly reduced by 3 times.Conclusions STI showed local rotation and global torsion might be thevaluable predictor to evaluate the regressed and the development of LV peri-PAB procedure for the older children with TGA. Key words: Echocardiography; Heart defects, congenital; Transposition of the great arteries; Pulmonary artery banding; Ventricular function
On Hoover’s Scale-Free Forecast Accuracy Metric MAD/MEAN

In this study, we find that Hoover’s scale-free forecast accuracy metric MAD/MEAN is only recommended when the coefficient of variation (c.v.) is small. Using empirical studies, five near identically and independently distributed (i.i.d.) time series from a popular statistics textbook are observed. We find that 100% of real time series chosen in the textbook have a c.v. less than 1, indicating the applicability of Hoover’s metric in most real data analysis. However, under the market efficiency hypothesis, returns for stocks will follow or approximately follow an i.i.d. normal distribution. There are 3173 stocks in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), 3182 stocks in the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ), and 2044 stocks in the American Stock Exchange (AMEX). In this study, we observe the c.v.’s of monthly returns of 50 stocks chosen to represent these markets—nineteen stocks are randomly drawn from each of the NYSE and the NASDAQ and twelve stocks are randomly drawn from the AMEX. We find that 100% of these series have a c.v. greater than 1, indicating that Hoover’s metric is not applicable to analyzing returns. Further empirical studies about the returns from Minsville, General Electronic, Goodyear, and Owens studied in Fama (J Bus 38(1):34–105, 1965, J Finance 25(2):383–417, 1970) show that Hoover’s MAD/MEAN is not a good accuracy measure to distinguish different MA methods. We conclude that Hoover’s MAD/MEAN has its merit in general real data analysis as shown in a textbook, but that it is not recommended for analyzing time series for returns in economics and finance.
Cartilage-Preserving Arthroscopic-Assisted Radiofrequency Ablation of Periacetabular Osteoid Osteoma in a Young Adult Hip

Osteoid osteomas are benign bone lesions that commonly occur in the lower extremities and spine, with the radiographic evidence of a central nidus surrounded by circumferential reactive bone. Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can provide symptomatic relief and are used as an important diagnostic tool, surgical intervention is the definitive treatment. Arthroscopic-assisted radiofrequency ablation has been shown to be an effective technique to directly visualize and treat the lesion while minimizing damage to the articular cartilage.
Understanding the origin of softness in structurally tailored and engineered macromolecular (STEM) gels: A DPD study

Abstract Structurally tailored and engineered macromolecular (STEM) gels are polymer networks containing a primary network (the “STEM-0” gel) and side chains that are anchored to this network (forming the “STEM-1” gel). The ability to vary the features of the side chains provides a robust means of tailoring the macroscopic properties of the material. We use dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations to determine the mechanical response of STEM-1 gels to uniaxial compression for various values of the side chain length, n s c . While the Young's modulus of the material is significantly decreased with increasing n s c (at a fixed density of grafted side chains), above a certain saturation value, increasing n s c does not lead to any further softening of the sample. Using the simulations, we calculate the relevant stresses, which are related to the Young's modulus and the number of entanglements in the network. We show that the backbone chains become more spread out upon addition of sidechains, leading to a decrease in the physical entanglements between backbone segments. This observation accounts for the decrease of stress in the backbone network and the softening of the networks through the addition of sidechains. For long chains, however, the number density of physical crosslinks between side chains is independent of side chain length; this observation explains the observed stress saturation in the STEM-1 gels. Our approach allows us to correlate the molecular architecture of the gels to the resultant macroscopic mechanical behavior and provide guidelines for fabricating STEM gels with well-defined mechanical properties, which allow the materials to be used for a variety of applications.
716 Loneliness and Lockdowns: The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Insomnia Symptoms

Introduction: Insomnia is a critical health issue that has serious consequences for both psychological and physical health. These consequences have become even more exacerbated during the course of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as fears of the virus continue to grow and community lockdowns persist. Loneliness has also become a growing mental health concern as a result of the pandemic, and previous research has identified COVID-19 loneliness as a contributing factor to higher rates of insomnia. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between insomnia, loneliness, and lockdown orders across the first 6-months of the pandemic. We hypothesized that being lonely and under lockdown would lead to greater insomnia, even after controlling for anxiety, and this would become more pronounced over the course of the pandemic. Methods: 6,101 English-speaking adults from across the U.S. (18-84 years old;53.6% female) completed an online, monthly, cross-sectional (∼1000 participants per month), battery of assessments that included the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), UCLA Loneliness Scale - Version 3, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD 7), demographic questions, and a COVID-19 questionnaire between April 2020 and September 2020. A 2 (lonely vs. not lonely) x 2 (lockdown vs. no lockdown) x 2 (Time 1 April-June vs. Time 2 July-September) ANCOVA was conducted to determine the effects of these variables on insomnia, while also controlling for anxiety symptoms. Results: Significant main effects of lockdown status, F(1,8) = 22.72, p < .001, time, F(1,8) = 4.94, p = .026, and loneliness, F(1,8) = 65.18, p < .001, were observed, as a well as a significant interaction effect between lockdown status and time, F(1,8) = 8.47, p = .004, after controlling for anxiety. Conclusion: Overall, lonely people under lockdown had the highest levels of insomnia at both Time 1 and Time 2. Non-lonely people consistently had lower levels of insomnia than lonely people across the 6-month period;however, being under lockdown also contributed to higher levels of insomnia regardless of loneliness, which increased with each passing month of the pandemic. Loneliness and lockdowns each appear to be independently associated with elevated insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Autism spectrum disorder and molecular imaging following environmental stress: Functional aspects of the risk using multi-omics

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by complicated phenotypic symptoms, including intervention with social activity, communication, and unusually behavioral abnormality. ASD is a lifelong developmental condition affecting one in 88 children and is considered one of today's most urgent public health challenges. Individuals with ASD tend to respond inappropriately in conversation and may struggle to build relationships. Currently, the prime cause of ASD remains unclear, even though emerging findings emphasize the role of genetic and environmental factors in the development of autistic behavior could be examined. At present, risks such as exposure to unknown chemicals as an environmental factor in ASD are less appreciated. This review will discuss potential risks include air pollution and particle matters in alignment with detection strategies, like multidimensional Omics and the transcriptomic approach, which may empower the capability of predicting potential risk from gene expression to phenotype level as a hallmark of transformation outcome. In addition, this genomic-driven validation process saves time and quality of accuracy in the process of finding molecular determinants in the early stage of disease onset. Currently, the genomics era brings prediction models with various algorithms, and its intervention alternatives speed up to analyze the environmental risk of chemical stressors, such as hazardous chemicals, air pollutants, and/or nanoparticles, in compliance with regulatory measures of exploring molecular determinants associated with chronic disease and metabolic disorders. The value chain of disease prevention along with surveillance platform closely interacts with the prediction of risk assessment using a molecular-based platform. Efficacy of a sequential workout, including exploring, monitoring, and the translational application process in cellular or in vitro systems, could crosstalk with a transgenic animal model. Targeting molecule implication, such as gain- or loss-of-functional reverse genetic technology to verify its functional analysis, multi-dimensional omics could be beneficial in the field of environmental risk assessment, including safety evaluation: food and drug screening in ASD combined with imaging technology.
Noninvasive, Individualized Cortical Modulation Using Transcranial Rotating Permanent Magnet Stimulator for Voiding Dysfunction in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Trial.

PURPOSE Voiding dysfunction (VD) leading to urinary retention is a common neurogenic lower urinary tract symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Currently, the only effective management for patients with MS with VD is catheterization. Transcranial Rotating Permanent Magnet Stimulator (TRPMS) is a noninvasive, portable, multifocal neuromodulator that simultaneously modulates multiple cortical regions and the strength of their functional connections. In this pilot trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03574610), we investigated the safety and therapeutic effects of TRPMS in modulating brain regions of interest (ROIs) engaged with voiding initiation to improve VD in MS women. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten MS women with VD (having % post-void residual/bladder capacity [%PVR/BC] ≥40% or being in the lower 10th percentile of the Liverpool nomogram) underwent concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging/urodynamic study (fMRI/UDS) with 3 cycles of bladder filling/emptying, at baseline and post-treatment. Predetermined ROIs and their activations at voiding initiation were identified on patients' baseline fMRI/UDS scans, corresponding to microstimulator placement. Patients received 10 consecutive 40-minute treatment sessions. Brain activation group analysis, noninstrumented uroflow, and validated questionnaires were compared at baseline and post-treatment. RESULTS No treatment-related adverse effects were reported. Post-treatment, patients showed significantly increased activation in regions known to be involved at voiding initiation in healthy subjects. %PVR/BC significantly decreased. Significant improvement of bladder emptying symptoms were reported by patients via validated questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS Both neuroimaging and clinical data suggested TRPMS effectively and safely modulated brain regions that are involved in the voiding phase of the micturition cycle, leading to clinical improvements in bladder emptying in patients with MS.
Evaluation of Space Station Thermal Control Techniques

A procedure is developed for evaluating various candidates for thermal control in the orbiting Space Station. Candidates for acquisition, transport and rejection are considered. For example, thermal rejection candidates include heat pipe radiators, high capacity heat pipe radiators and liquid droplet radiators. A computer program has been developed which computes subsystem and total system weights, volumes, powers and costs for a system consisting of selected acquisition, transport and rejection candidates. The program user is also able to select mission parameters such as duration, resupply interval, thermal loads, transport distance, acquisition temperature and rejection temperature. Simulation models are included in the program which allow the user to change candidate designs. For example, for a high capacity heat pipe radiator the user may change working fluid, materials, radiator temperature, radiator geometry, surface emissivity and surface absorptivity. The program also allows the selection of several different acquisitions of thermal energy at different temperatures using different acquisition candidates.
Production and subsequent second-order decomposition of protein disulfide anions: Lengthy collisions between proteins

Abstract By a technique of radiation chemistry, one can convert small groups on a protein (surface disulfide bonds) into reactive centers (disulfide anion radicals) in less than 100 μs. The reactive centers on different molecules then proceed to react with each other and are destroyed. The anion radical is formed by electron transfer from transient CO2− generated by pulse radiolysis (Adams et al., 1972). The formation and decay of the disulfide anion radical were studied by monitoring its absorption at 410 nm. The transient disulfide anion absorption is a reliable qualitative but not quantitative test for the presence of surface disulfide groups. The area of this reactive center is very small compared to the total surface area of the protein. Nevertheless the rate of this reaction for 13 proteins ranges from 2% to 50% of the diffusion controlled rate of 3 × 109 m −1 s−1. Billiard ball type collisions during which the protein molecules briefly touch each other do not account for these fast rates. We conclude that the collision has substantial duration. A radially symmetric potential holds the molecules together but allows them to roll on each others' surfaces. The model of Sole & Stockmayer (1973) can be applied to this reaction, showing that the collision duration is typically 10 to 100 μs. This conclusion, valid for 12 of 13 proteins studied, seems to be very general. Whenever two proteins approach each other, attractive forces hold them together long enough for mutual rotation to bring the reactive groups into contact, a necessary but sometimes not sufficient condition for their reaction.
Potency of siRNA versus shRNA mediated knockdown in vivo

The intracellular delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a therapeutic strategy to transiently block gene expression. Two silencing RNA strategies utilize either synthetic double stranded RNA or plasmid DNA encoding a short hairpin RNA (shRNA). In the present study, we have quantitatively compared the potency of siRNA (siLuc1) and shRNA (pShagLuc) mediated knockdown of luciferase expression in vivo using hydrodynamic dosing and bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Following hydrodynamic coadministration of siLuc1 or pShagLuc with a plasmid encoding luciferase (pGL3), mice were analyzed for transgene expression by BLI. The knockdown of luciferase expression by siLuc1 or pShagLuc was observed at 3 h and persisted for 3 days. The potency of siLuc1 and pShagLuc was equivalent with maximal effect at 10 microg coadministered with 1 microg of pGL3 resulting in >80% knockdown. Combined dosing of siLuc1 and pShagluc (5 microg each) with 1 microg of pGL3 resulted in >99% knockdown. Analysis of the data established that shRNA was significantly more potent than siRNA at mediating knockdown when compared on a mole basis. The combination of hydrodynamic dosing and BLI to measure siRNA or shRNA mediated knockdown of luciferase provide an attractive in vivo quantitative method to test formulations that target the liver.
The Sitcom Reader: America Viewed and Skewed

The Sitcom Reader: America Viewed and Skewed, is an accessible and enjoyable collection of essays about the American situation comedy (“sitcom”). The book is divided into seven segments each of whi...
Client involvement in motivational interviewing sessions targeting substance abuse treatment in the criminal justice system

Background Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling technique used to elicit change by exploring an individual’ sd esire and commitment to making changes. In this study, probation clients are randomized to a two-session MI intervention occurring approximately 3–4 weeks apart. The first session primarily focuses on building motivation to change substance use, engage in treatment, and make other changes to improve probation outcomes; the second session focuses on goal setting and social support. Methods This paper examines responses from 96 clients who completed the first counselor-driven MI session. Researchers extracted client reasons associated with commitment to probation and treatment. Analyses matched the clients’ responses to the MI session with quantitative data on motivation to change, demographics, and criminal history obtained during the baseline assessment. Results Clients generally reported higher levels of treatment motivation during the MI session as compared to the scales from the CJ Client Evaluation of Self and Treatment (CEST). Results from the CEST indicated that the majority of the sample (79.2%) had low/moderate levels of motivation to seek help and recognize that they have a problem (82.3%). However, on a scale of 1–10, clients reported high commitment to complete probation (M = 9.67) and treatment/decreasing use (M = 8.30). Individuals under 36 years old who scored low/moderate on a criminal justice (CJ) risk tool, and males indicating that they did not want to go to jail reported higher commitment ratings. During the MI session, the primary reasons for increased motivation were family, tired of being in the CJ system, not wanting to go back to jail, and tired of using. For female probationers, family was the most frequently stated reason (28.6%) for being committed to finishing probation. Employment was the primary reason given for wanting to change substance use behavior, particularly among probationers under 36 years old. Older individuals were more likely to be tired of using drugs. During the MI session, clients’ goals for the next 30 days mostly dealt with probation issues like attending the first probation appointment (53.1%). Treatment-related goals (e.g., making a treatment provider appointment (26%) were less frequent. Conclusion
Theorizing Histories of Rhetoric, edited by Michelle Ballif.

Theorizing Histories of Rhetoric opens by invoking the spirits of historical methodology, conjuring the pinnacle of concern over historical methods in the 1980s and 1990s. In panels of the Conferen...
Positive hydrogen ion beam production by an RF-driven multicusp source

A 10 cm-diam RF-driven multicusp ion source has been tested for positive (H/sup +/) ion production in cw mode for future use in the 870 keV Cockcroft-Walton preinjector at the Paul Scherrer Institute. The source is optimized for the best atomic hydrogen ion species and extractable current. It is found that the porcelain coating on the antenna is very durable and stays intact after days of continuous operation. It is expected that the antenna will have a very long lifetime for an RF input power of /spl sim/6 kW. >
Algorithms for Twisted Involutions in Weyl Groups

Let (W, Σ) be a finite Coxeter system, and θ an involution such that θ (Δ) = Δ, where Δ is a basis for the root system Φ associated with W, and the set of θ-twisted involutions in W. The elements of can be characterized by sequences in Σ which induce an ordering called the Richardson-Spinger Bruhat poset. The main algorithm of this paper computes this poset. Algorithms for finding conjugacy classes, the closure of an element and special cases are also given. A basic analysis of the complexity of the main algorithm and its variations is discussed, as well experience with implementation.
Differences and similarities among expert opinions on the diagnosis and treatment of pemphigus vulgaris

Abstract Background As a result of a lack of large-scale controlled studies, the diagnosis and management of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) has been solely on the basis of expert opinion, rather than on empirical evidence. We have completed a survey of worldwide experts on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to PV. Methods We conducted a telephone-based survey of 24 physicians from academic, tertiary care centers worldwide with an average of 20 years experience treating pemphigus. Survey questions included referral patterns, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic regimens. Results Of those surveyed, 50% receive referrals within 6 months after onset of symptoms, 17% within 1 year, and 8% within 3 years. Diagnosis is secured by 96% using skin biopsy specimen with direct immunofluorescence, and by indirect immunofluorescence alone for 4%. None of the participating physicians make the diagnosis of PV solely on clinical and histologic evidence. Of the physicians, 75% initially treat with prednisone and 25% use other agents or attempt to eliminate potential triggers. The physicians who initially used noncorticosteroid drugs did so with no relation to the nature or extent of the disease. Of those surveyed, 50% use prednisone doses of 1 mg/kg/d, 31% use 1 to 1.5 mg/kg/d, and 19% use 1.5 to 3 mg/kg/d. Azathioprine is used as an adjuvant by 44%, mycophenolate mofetil by 20%, cyclophosphamide by 16%, and methotrexate by 8%. Complete discontinuation of prednisone was the goal for 37% whereas others were satisfied with doses from 2.5 to 10 mg/d. Conclusion Wide variation exists in diagnostic techniques and treatment of PV, even among the world's experts. The lag time from symptom onset to referral emphasizes the need for heightened awareness. There is clearly a need for consensus standards with regard to patient stratification and randomized controlled trials.
Type 3 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor modulates cell death

Mechanisms accounting for the cellular entry of calcium that mediates cellular proliferation and apoptosis have been obscure. Previously we reported selective augmentation of type 3 inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)R3) in lymphocytes undergoing programmed cell death, which was prevented by antisense constructs to IP(3)R3. We now report increases in mRNA and protein levels for IP(3)R3 associated with cell death in several apoptotic paradigms in diverse tissues. Elevations of IP(3)R3 occur during developmental apoptosis in early postnatal cerebellar granule cells, dorsal root ganglia, embryonic hair follicles, and intestinal villi. Neurotoxic damage elicited by the glutamate agonist kainate is also associated with IP(3)R3 augmentation. In chick dorsal root ganglia neurons undergoing apoptosis due to deprivation of nerve growth factor, levels of IP(3)R3 are selectively increased and cell death is selectively prevented by antisense oligonucleotides to IP(3)R3. Thus, IP(3)R3 appears to participate actively in cell death in a diversity of tissues.
Octosporea carloschagasi n.sp., a microsporidian associate of Trypanosoma cruzi in Panstrongylus megistus.

Some protozoan forms from Panstrongylus megistus that Chagas had incorporated into his original description of Trypanosoma cruzi are compared with schizogonic and sporogonic stages of the microsporidian Octosporea muscaedomesticae. On the basis of the evidence presented O. carloschagasi n. sp. is described.
Defining specific goals of therapy in treating dyslipidemia in the patient with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Because patients with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) are at high risk for clinical coronary artery disease (CAD) events, these patients require aggressive treatment with lifestyle modifications—increased exercise, smoking cessation, and weight loss in overweight patients—and available pharmacological agents. Drugs that raise HDL-C include nicotinic acid, fibric acid derivatives, estrogens, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), α-blockers, and alcohol. However, all agents that increase HDL-C may not have the same clinical benefit, just as, as shown in genetic studies in humans and mice, genetic causes of high HDL-C do not always protect against CAD, nor do genetic causes of low HDL-C always increase risk for CAD. Better understanding of the complexities of HDL metabolism and the mechanisms by which HDL protects against CAD is needed to enable the development of new therapeutic strategies—novel drugs or gene delivery systems—to increase HDL-C and reduce CAD events. The statins are the agents with the greatest evidence for slowing progression of CAD and reducing clinical events in patients with low HDL-C, but additional research is needed to determine the potential benefits of additional interventions that increase HDL-C, including combination therapy, which may provide greater improvements in the entire lipid profile.
An onset is an onset: Evidence from abstraction of newly-learned phonotactic constraints.

Phonotactic constraints are language-specific patterns in the sequencing of speech sounds. Are these constraints represented at the syllable level (ng cannot begin syllables in English) or at the word level (ng cannot begin words)? In a continuous recognition-memory task, participants more often falsely recognized novel test items that followed than violated the training constraints, whether training and test items matched in word structure (one or two syllables) or position of restricted consonants (word-edge or word-medial position). E.g., learning that ps are onsets and fs codas, participants generalized from pef (one syllable) to putvif (two syllables), and from putvif (word-edge positions) to bufpak (word-medial positions). These results suggest that newly-learned phonotactic constraints are represented at the syllable level. The syllable is a representational unit available and spontaneously used when learning speech-sound constraints. In the current experiments, an onset is an onset and a coda a coda, regardless of word structure or word position.
Soil and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) foliar nitrogen responses to variable logging-debris retention and competing vegetation control in the Pacific Northwest

Experimental treatments of logging-debris retention (0%, 40%, or 80% surface coverage) and competing vegetation control (initial or annual applications) were installed at two sites in the Pacific Northwest following clearcutting Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) stands to assess short-term effects on tree N acquisition, soil N supply, and total soil N. Vegetation control treatments began in the first year after harvest, and logging-debris manipulations were installed 2 years after harvest. Annual vegetation control increased foliar N concentration and content in most years at both sites, which was associated with higher available soil N and increased soil water content. Logging-debris retention treatments had no detectable effect on any of the foliar variables or soil available N at either site. There were no treatment effects on total soil N at the site with relatively high soil N, but total soil N increased with logging-debris retention when annual vegetation control was ...
Transcription of the gene coding for subunit 9 of ATP synthase in rice mitochondria.

Transcription of the single-copy rice mitochondrial atp9 gene has been analyzed. We propose that there is a 0.65 kb primary transcript that is processed to an abundant 0.45 kb mRNA; a sequence motif at the 5′ terminus of the 0.65 kb transcript shares 9 out of 11 nucleotides homology to the consensus promoter proposed for maize [13]. There are several 3′ termini based on RNase protection, and these termini map within or just distal to inverted repeats that could fold into a double stem-loop structure.
Avoiding Human Error in Mission Operations: Cassini Flight Experience

Operating spacecraft is a never-ending challenge and the risk of human error is ever- present. Many missions have been significantly affected by human error on the part of ground controllers. The Cassini mission at Saturn has not been immune to human error, but Cassini operations engineers use tools and follow processes that find and correct most human errors before they reach the spacecraft. What is needed are skilled engineers with good technical knowledge, good interpersonal communications, quality ground software, regular peer reviews, up-to-date procedures, as well as careful attention to detail and the discipline to test and verify all commands that will be sent to the spacecraft. Two areas of special concern are changes to flight software and response to in-flight anomalies. The Cassini team has a lot of practical experience in all these areas and they have found that well-trained engineers with good tools who follow clear procedures can catch most errors before they get into command sequences to be sent to the spacecraft. Finally, having a robust and fault-tolerant spacecraft that allows ground controllers excellent visibility of its condition is the most important way to ensure human error does not compromise the mission.
Manipulating happiness: Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori is best known for her legacy as an educator. She is the founder of a system of schools that has achieved worldwide success. Instrumental to her teaching method is the idea of fostering engagement by offering children individual choice and harnessing intrinsic motivation. For this reason, she is nominated as a noteworthy felicitator or happiness-enabler. In this article, I discuss Montessori's life with a special emphasis on her teaching philosophy and methods. I briefly discuss psychological research as it relates to choice-related topics such as perceived personal control and autonomy. I also discuss some limitations of choice as an avenue toward happiness.
Influenza Burden and Transmission in the Tropics

Each year, influenza causes substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is important to understand influenza in the tropics because of the significant burden in the region and its relevance to global influenza circulation. In this review, influenza burden, transmission dynamics, and their determinants in the tropics are discussed. Environmental, cultural, and social conditions in the tropics are very diverse and often differ from those of temperate regions. Theories that account for and predict influenza dynamics in temperate regions do not fully explain influenza epidemic patterns observed in the tropics. Routine surveillance and household studies have been useful in understanding influenza dynamics in the tropics, but these studies have been limited to only some regions; there is still a lack of information regarding influenza burden and transmission dynamics in many tropical countries. Further studies in the tropics will provide useful insight on many questions that remain.
Flux pinning and the irreversibility lines in the HgBa2CuO4+δ, HgBa2CaCu2O6+δ and HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+δ compounds

Abstract Using measurements of the magnetization hysteresis we determine the temperature and field dependence of the critical current density, the pinning force and the irreversibility lines of polycrystalline HgBa 2 CuO 4+δ , HgBa 2 CaCu 2 O 6+δ and HgBa 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 8+δ . For all three materials we observe an exponential decay of the critical current with increasing temperature and/or field. The temperature dependence of the irreversibility fields follows a power law, H irr ∝(1− T T c ) 4 , and is intermediate to that of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 and the Bi/Tl-based superconductors. These results are analyzed in a model in which the separation between the superconducting CuO 2 blocks is the important parameter. At 77 K the irreversibility field of HgBa 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 8+δ is 2 T and the critical current density at 77 K in a field of 1 T is about 2×10 3 A/cm 2 . The plate-like nature of the grains in the double- and triple-layer compounds offers the possibility that textured materials with good coupling between the grains can be prepared.
Electric current generated by ultrasonically induced Lorentz force in biological media.

The ions of solutions exposed to the propagation of ultrasound in the presence of a magnetic field experience Lorentz force. Their movement gives rise to a local electric current density, which is proportional to the electric conductivity of the medium. In vitro assessment of this current is performed using simple models of biological media. A constant magnetic field of 0.35T and 500kHz pulsed ultrasound are used. The sensing electrodes are exposed to neither the pressure wave nor the magnetic field, thus ensuring that the signal is not due to any undesirable electrode effect. The experimental results confirm that the current is proportional to the electrical conductivity of the medium. The changes in the measured current against the width of the measurement chamber show that the electrodes only collect fraction of the current created within the medium. The magnitude of the measured current is 50nA in a saline solution of 0.5S/m conductivity. The technique enabled the determination of the conductivity of a porcine blood sample against haematocrit. It is concluded that this type of measurement has the potential to allow the electrical conductivity of a medium to be determined using ultrasound.
The structure of gelsevirine

Die Massenspektren und1H- und13C-NMR-Spektren der Gelsemium-Alkaloide Gelsemin, Gelsedin und Gelsevirin wurden aufgenommen und vollstandig analysiert. Gelsevirin wurde durch Reduktion in Gelsemin ubergefuhrt und besitzt die Struktur des Na-Methoxygelsemins.
The high intensity γ-ray source (HIγS) and recent results

Abstract The high intensity γ-ray source (HIγS) utilizes intra-cavity backscattering of free electron laser photons from the Duke electron storage ring to produce a unique monoenergetic beam of high-flux γ-rays with high polarization and selectable energy resolution. At present, γ-ray beams with energies from 2 to 58 MeV are available with intensities as high as 105–5 × 106 γ/s, energy spreads of 3% or better, and nearly 100% linear polarization. The quality and intensity of the γ-ray beams at HIγS are responsible for the unprecedented performance of this facility in a broad range of research programs in nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics and nuclear applications. Recent results from excitation of isomeric states in (γ, n) reactions and parity assignments of dipole states determined via the (γ, γ′) reaction are presented.
Meridional Motions and the Angular Momentum Balance in the Solar Convection Zone

The solar angular velocity, ?, and meridional motions in the solar convection zone (SCZ) are expanded in Legendre polynomials. If the velocity correlations uru,u?u and the angular velocity are known, then the azimuthal momentum equation determines the meridional flow; here stands for the turbulent convective velocities and the bracket denotes an appropriate average; ? and are the polar angle and longitude. The velocity correlation uru transports angular momentum to the inner regions of the SCZ. This angular momentum can either spin-up the inner regions, or be removed by a meridional motion that rises at the equator and sinks at the poles; the stream function for this motion will be designated by ?2. For slowly rotating stars, the inner regions must spin-up. As the angular velocity increases, a transition must take place to the second option: in the Sun the angular velocity does not increase sharply with depth. This transition should occur at a value for ? at which the Taylor-Proudman balance (a balance between the pressure, Coriolis, and buoyancy forces) becomes valid. In the SCZ, this balance determines the latitudinal variations of the superadiabatic gradient (??T) from the rotation law, and it provides, therefore, a link between the energy equation and the azimuthal momentum equation. The solar meridional motion also has a component, with stream function ?4, that rises at the equator and poles and sinks at midlatitudes; its contribution to the removal of angular momentum from the inner regions of the SCZ is negligible. In the Sun, ?2 depends mainly on uru and ?4 ? -4?2/3 (this expression for ?4 is not as robust as that of ?2, which is an excellent approximation). Therefore, the meridional motions are essentially determined by uru. However, the ?2-meridional circulation transports angular momentum toward the polar regions of the Sun which must be balanced by u?u and ?4. Globally, the conservation of angular momentum in the latitudinal direction requires that the sum of the terms in uru and in u?u of an integral over the entire SCZ cancels. For this to be the case, u?u must be positive since uru is negative (which is a very robust result). For stars satisfying the Taylor-Proudman balance, a fast rotating equator appears to be an unavoidable necessity. An equation is derived that clarifies the reasons for the existence of the relation ?4 ? -4?2/3 and for the weak dependence of ?4 on u?u. A simple model for the velocity correlations is studied. In this simple model, if the latitudinal differential rotation increases, u?u must decrease for the integral relation defined above to remain valid. This dependence of u?u on ??/?? agrees with what can be inferred from physical considerations.
Effects of Container Material on PCT Leach Test Results for High-Level Nuclear Waste Glasses

A glass-based waste form used for the immobilization of high-level nuclear wastes should exhibit good resistance to aqueous corrosion since typically this is the primary process by which radionucleides could be released into the environment upon failure of other barriers. In the USA, the Waste Acceptance Product Specifications (WAPS) provides a set of requirements to ensure the consistency of the waste forms produced and specifies the Product Consistency Test (PCT) as a measure of relative chemical durability. While the PCT procedure permits usage of both Teflon and stainless steel vessels for testing of simulated development glasses, Teflon is not permitted for testing of production glasses due to radiative degradation. The results presented in this paper indicate that there are very significant differences between tests conducted in the two types of vessels due to the well-known permeability of Teflon to atmospheric carbon dioxide which results in lowering of the solution pH and a consequent reduction in the leach rate of silicate glasses. A wide range of nuclear waste glass compositions was subjected to the PCT procedure using both Teflon and stainless steel vessels. The magnitude of the effect (up to a factor of four for B, Na, Li concentrations) depends strongly on glass composition, therefore the isolated checks performed previously were inconclusive. The permeability to CO2 of two types of Teflon vessels specified in the PCT procedure was directly measured using buffer solutions: ingress of CO2 is linear in time, strongly pH-dependent, and was as high as 100 ppm after 7 days. In actual PCT tests in Teflon vessels, the total CO2 content was 560 ppm after 87 days and 1930 ppm after one year.
Artificial intelligence research in anesthesia and intensive care

This article describes several research directions exploring the application of artificial intelligence techniques in anesthesia and intensive care. Artificial intelligence can be loosely defined as the discipline of designing computer systems that exhibit "intelligent" behavior. This article first introduces artificial intelligence and computer science research and discusses why medicine has proved to be a challenging domain for applying artificial intelligence techniques. A discussion of the central research themes that arise in medical artificial intelligence, many of which are common to different projects and to different medical settings, is followed by a description of specific research projects that apply artificial intelligence techniques in anesthesiology, ventilatory management, and cardiovascular management. Finally, further comments are made on the current state of the field.
HOW IDEOLOGIES SUPPLANT FORMAL STRUCTURES AND SHAPE RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTS

Observations of nineteen hospitals show how organizational ideologies are manifested and sustained by beliefs, stories, languages, and ceremonial acts. The data indicate that harmonious ideologies accompany simple structures, but that discordant ones accompany elaborate structures. Through their effects on people and structures, ideologies guide organizations’responses to external threats.
A computer program for analysis and design of power supply circuitry

Although many equivalent circuits for any given power supply circuit exist, an attempt has been made to analyze a circuit that includes all the parameters that have any significant contribution to the final analysis.
A review of systematic reviews evaluating diabetes interventions: focus on quality of life and disparities.

Purpose This article reviews the literature on definitions and issues related to measurement of quality of life in people with diabetes and summarizes reviews of evidence of intervention studies, with a particular focus on interventions targeted for underserved and minority populations. Methods An integrative literature review of reviews was conducted on adult diabetes interventions and outcomes. Five electronic databases were searched. Eligible publications were those published between 1999 and 2006 that described outcome measures. Twelve review articles are included. Results Review studies were heterogeneous in terms of intervention type, content, participants, setting, and outcome measures. Interventions used variable operational definitions and frequently lacked adequate description; therefore, comparisons of findings proved difficult. A clinical outcome, A1C, was the most frequently assessed, with little inclusion of quality-of-life measures. Several reviews and independent studies did not explicitly consider interventions aimed at the underserved. When quality of life was considered, measures and operational definition of domains were limited. Conclusions Understanding the relationship between interventions and resulting outcomes, particularly quality of life, will require attention to operational definitions and better conceptual models. There is an evidence base emerging about important characteristics of effective intervention programs. This evidence base can guide public health and clinical program planners to better understand and make prudent decisions about assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of interventions for people with complex chronic illnesses such as diabetes.