cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamic changes in arterial feeders and draining veins during embolotherapy of arteriovenous malformations: an experimental study in a swine model.

OBJECTIVE Transcatheter assessment of changes in draining vein (DV) flow velocity has been proposed recently as a potentially useful procedure for hemodynamic monitoring of the progression of embolotherapy in cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We compared and contrasted changes in hemodynamic parameters of arterial feeders (AFs) and DVs during experimental AVM embolotherapy. METHODS Carotid-jugular fistula-type AVM models were surgically created in eight swine. Pre- and postembolization transcatheter mean AF and DV pressures, DV-time average spectral peak velocity, and AF and DV pulsatility indices were assessed. An expression, the peak systolic velocity minus end-diastolic velocity (Vs - Ved), was also used in evaluating the transvenous Doppler spectra. Pre- and postembolization hemodynamic parameters were compared statistically. RESULTS Pre-embolization DV flow was pulsatile (Vs - Ved, 12 +/- 4.8 cm/s), with a mean DV velocity of 39.3 +/- 11.4 cm per second. Postembolization, this changed to a less/nonpulsatile pattern (Vs - Ved, 5.4 +/- 2.7 cm/s; P = 0.0035) with a lower mean DV-average spectral peak velocity of 7.0 +/- 3.1 cm per second (P = 0.0001). The mean DV pressure was also reduced from 52.0 +/- 8.2 to 45.5 +/- 8.7 mm Hg (P = 0.0023). The mean AF pressure increased from a mean of 79.5 +/- 15.5 to 96.8 +/- 16.2 mm Hg (P = 0.0004). The DV pulsatility index values also increased from a mean of 0.3 +/- 0.2 to 1.1 +/- 0.5 (P = 0.0003). Periembolization objective hemodynamic changes were detected in the DVs earlier than were the visually subjective angiographic changes observed within the nidus. CONCLUSION This preliminary study indicates that transvenous assessment of average spectral peak velocity and wave pattern (Vs - Ved) may be useful in the hemodynamic evaluation of AVM shunting. The convergence of these two parameters to a range less than 10 cm per second after nidus embolization may afford a theoretical advantage over AF pressure measurements when used for objective and quantitative monitoring of endovascular embolotherapy.
Equilibrium constants under physiological conditions for the reactions of D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase and L-phosphoserine aminotransferase.

Abstract The observed equilibrium constants (Kobs) for the reactions of d -3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.95) and l -phosphoserine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.52) (the first two steps of l -serine biosynthesis) have been determined at 38 °C, under conditions of physiological ionic strength (0.25 m ) and physiological ranges of pH and magnesium concentrations. From these observed constants and the acid dissociation and metal binding constants of the substrates, an ionic equilibrium constant (K) has been calculated for each reaction. Using Σ and square brackets to indicate total concentrations, for the reaction of d -3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, K obs = [Σ phosphohydroxypyruvate ][Σ NADH ] [Σ D-3-phosphoglycerate ][Σ NAD + ] , K = [ phosphohydroxypyruvate 3− ][ NADH ]( H + ) [ D-3-phosphoglycerate 3− ][ NAD + ] ; and for the reaction of l -phosphoserine aminotransferase, K obs = [Σ α- ketoglutarate ][Σ L-phosphoserine ] [Σ phosphohydroxypyruvate ][Σ L-glutamate ] , K = [α- ketoglutarate 2− ][ L-H · phosphoserine 2− ] [ phosphohydroxypyruvate 3− ][ L-H · glutamate − ] The values of K for the reaction of d -3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase are 3.45 ± 0.04 × 10−13 m (38 °C) [ΔG ° = +74.2 kJ/mol (+17.7 kcal/mol)] and 1.30 ± 0.01 × 10−13 m (25 °C) [ΔG ° = +73.5 kJ/mol (+17.6 kcal/mol)]. Kobs at 38 °C, pH 7.0, and [K+] = 0.2 m is 2.92 × 10−6 ([Mg2+] = 0) and 2.89 × 10−6 ([Mg2+] = 1 m m ). The value of K for the reaction of l -phosphoserine aminotransferase is 133 ± 1 [ΔG0 = −12.5 kJ/mol (−3.0 kcal/mol)] a value insignificantly affected by temperature (4–43 °C). Kobs at pH 7.0 (38 °C, [K+] = 0.2 m ) is 85.9 ([Mg2+] = 0), 84.6 ([Mg2+] = 1 m m ) and 80.7 ([Mg2+] = 10 m m ). For these calculations the acid dissociation and potassium and magnesium binding constants of d -3-phosphoglycerate, phosphohydroxypyruvate, and l -phosphoserine were determined under physiological conditions by titration. The values of the equilibrium constants reported in this work are highly significantly different from direct determinations reported by others. The implications of the results to the understanding of the biosynthesis of l -serine are discussed.
A month to topic detection and tracking in Hindi

We describe the one-month (June 2003) effort to create a topic detection and tracking (TDT) system to support news stories in Hindi. The University of Massachusetts submitted results for three different TDT tasks in the DARPA surprise language evaluation. The official task was topic tracking, but we also provided results for the new event detection and topic detection (clustering) tasks. Our approach to all three tasks was based on the vector-space model of information retrieval. We also describe the process we used to create the relevance judgments used to evaluate the system. Results suggest that topic tracking effectiveness is comparable to that of TDT tracking systems in other languages. Results for clustering and new event detection indicate that parameter settings for those tasks are sensitive to the language being used.
Radioimmunoassay of human prothrombin--the quantitation of plasma factor II antigen.

Human factor II (prothrombin) was isolated by chromatographic techniques and showed a single band on electrophoresis. 125I-tagged factor II was prepared by standard chloramine-T oxidation and sodium metabisulfite reduction. The radioimmunoassay (RIA) method used was a specific double-antibody radioimmunoassay similar to that described for the pituitary trophic hormones. The method showed high precision and sensitivity. A dose-response curve was generated by adding known amounts of normal human plasma to human barium sulfate-absorbed oxalated plasma. A straight-line relationship existed between 15 to 140% coagulant activity and 7 to 50 μg/ml antigen content. Plasma factor II antigen in 20 normals was 86.1 ± 8.4 μg/ml. Eight patients with induced vitamin K deficiency revealed normal antigen levels and reduced coagulant activity, whereas three patients with severe hepatocellular disease were found to have both antigen and coagulant activity reduced. Although coagulant activity decreased with prolonged storage, it was found that antigen content did not change with up to three months' storage at − 20°C. The use of the RIA for measuring prothrombin protein in conjunction with coagulation factor assays may have clinical application in studying the mechanism of action of vitamin K, the developmental aspects of factor II production and activation, and the understanding of acquired coagulopathies.
Collaboration for community-based wildlife management

We used satellite land cover data and the program FRAGSTATS toquantify land cover types and calculate the amount of forest edge available in suburban and rural regions of northeastern and northwestern Massachusetts. Cover categories included forest cover, open canopy vegetation, and non-deer habitat. We calculated all edge segments where forest cover abutted open canopy cover. Our open canopy vegetation category was calculated both with and without low intensity suburban development. We then compared these findings to movement data from 53 (13 males, 40 females) adult radio-marked white-tailed deerOdocoileus virginianusmonitored biweekly and diurnally from January 2001 to January 2003. The range of movements of suburban deer in eastern Massachusetts showed no difference to that of suburban deer in western Massachusetts (P = 0.7). However, the ranges for suburban deer in both eastern and western Massachusetts were 10 times less than those of deer in rural western Massachusetts (P = 0.001).Our findings suggest that landscape configuration, as described by the amount and distribution of edge due to suburban development, which is related to the amount and distribution of resources such as food and cover, affects migratory behavior of white-tailed deer, allowsdeer to have smaller ranges, and contributes to high deer densities.Inclusion of suburban edge in habitat models will increase our understanding of deer-habitat relationships for management of deer in urbanizing environments.
A simpler and better derandomization of an approximation algorithm for single source rent-or-buy

We present a very simple way of derandomizing the algorithm proposed by Gupta, Kumar and Roughgarden for single source rent-or-buy by using the method of conditional expectation. Using the improved analysis of Eisenbrand, Grandoni and Rothvosz, our derandomized algorithm has an approximation guarantee of 3.28.
Marital Satisfaction and Conjugal Control

Retrospective data were gathered from 1,007 university students about their parents' mar ital relationship. Control in marriage was found to relate to marital satisfaction in the same pattern found in previous research. Tests were also run to determine if the amount of con gruence between spouses' expectations about control and the actual control was related to marital satisfaction and if holding congruence constant would eliminate the covariation between control and satisfaction. The congruence was positively related to marital satis faction, but it had no effect on the relationship between control and satisfaction. It was therefore concluded that control in marriage and this type of congruence are each sepa rately related to marital satisfaction.
Sex, seasonal, and stress-related variations in elasmobranch corticosterone concentrations

Serum corticosterone was previously studied in numerous elasmobranch fishes (sharks, skates and rays), but the role of this steroid, widespread throughout many taxa, has yet to be defined. The goal of this study was to test whether corticosterone varied in response to acute and chronic capture stress, and across the reproductive cycle in the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, and Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina. Serum corticosterone in S. tiburo increased following capture and again 24 h post-capture, possibly caused by interference with 1alpha-hydroxycorticosterone, the primary stress hormone in elasmobranchs. Higher serum concentrations in males compared to females were observed in both species. Variations in corticosterone also occurred during the reproductive cycle in both species. Consistent with other taxa, elevations in male bonnethead sharks and stingrays coincided with peak testicular development and mating. Elevations in female bonnethead sharks occurred from the time of mating through sperm storage into early gestation. In contrast, corticosterone levels in female stingrays were low during their protracted mating season, but elevated through late gestation and parturition. These results indicate that corticosterone has a limited role, if any, in acute and chronic stress associated with capture in S. tiburo, but likely has physiological functions associated with its glucocorticoid properties across the reproductive cycle of both species.
Making Waves at Work: Perceived Effectiveness and Appropriateness of Organizational Dissent Messages

The way in which an employee communicates organizational dissent is partially responsible for the outcomes of that dissent conversation. Previous research has examined such outcomes in limited ways, but employees’ perceptions of the general effectiveness and appropriateness of their dissent expressions have been neglected. The current study fills that gap, finding that participants recalled solution presentation, circumvention, and repetition as effective whereas coalition-building messages were ineffective. Participants also report that solution presentation and direct factual appeals were appropriate whereas pressure tactics and humor messages were inappropriate. These results make important contributions and extend previous research by demonstrating connections between dissent messages and conversational outcomes and offering a practical understanding for dissenters about what types of dissent messages may be perceived as more effective and appropriate than others.
Anastomoses for vascular shunt, arterial graft, and flap vascularization performed using magnets

Abstract Introduction: The purposes of these studies were to demonstrate the potential for using magnets to perform sutureless vascular anastomoses in clinically relevant models, including vascular arteriovenous shunts, arterial bypass grafting, and vascularization of surgical flaps. Methods: Oval 0.5mm thick magnets were used to perform vascular anastomoses in canines. In study one, eleven femoral arteries and veins were anastomosed creating fistulae in seven dogs. In study two, magnets were used to anastomose six interpositional vein grafts into the femoral arterial position in six dogs. In study three, the 1.5mm diameter saphenous artery feeding a 10cm × 8cm island musculocutaneous flap was transected and repaired using magnets in six dogs. In all studies, patency was confirmed under direct observation for at least one hour before closure. For the first two studies, patency was confirmed by Duplex Doppler ultrasound scans 6 and 13 weeks later. After explant, saline was perfused through all grafts and the hydrodynamic resistance was quantified. Results: All anastomoses were patent for the one hour of direct observation. All anastomoses in the shunt and graft models were patent for up to 14 weeks. The resistance after 14 weeks of implantation was not increased. Endothelialization of all blood-contacting surfaces was substantial. Conclusions: The magnets successfully created sutureless vascular anastomoses of three different types. Flaps were acutely successful. Approximation of non-vascular structures using this technology may be possible in the future.
Dynamic behavior and creep characteristics of flexible particulate bed fixtures

Abstract Lateral step and impact responses and lateral, vertical, and torsional creep behavior of slender cylindrical workpieces placed in a fluidized particulate bed fixture (FPBF or PBF) were investigated. These experiments were designed, constructed, and performed to determine workpiece rigidity under dynamic loads encountered in manufacturing operations such as machining, milling, drilling, and routing. Results indicate that compaction pressure and rod depth have significant effects on lateral dynamic rigidity; lateral rigidity of the PBF can approach that of a conventional shop vise. Fixture rigidity is reliable and repeatable under lateral dynamic loading. In addition, the PBF sufficiently resists creep behavior due to external lateral, vertical, and torsional loads. Under the loading conditions above, workpieces displacement can be maintained within acceptable tolerances even for close-tolerance machining operations encountered in tight indexing applications such as machining and surface inspection. Results also contribute to a database for applying the PBF in a wider variety of manufacturing processes.
Sentence comprehension in multiple sclerosis.

Introduction - Explanations of sentence processing difficulty in aphasia have implicated slowed information processing speed. We tested this hypothesis by evaluating sentence comprehension in multiple sclerosis (MS), and relating comprehension performance to measures of information processing speed. Material & methods - Twenty right-handed, high school-educated, non-demented, native English speakers with clinically definite MS and 16 age- and education-matched control subjects were examined on 3 different sentence comprehension measures that stress grammatical appreciation. Performance was related to quantitative assessments of mental information processing speed. Results - Group-wide analyses demonstrated a trend toward sentence comprehension difficulty in MS. Analyses of individual patient profiles identified a subgroup of MS patients who were consistently impaired to a significant extent across all sentence comprehension tasks. Their sentence comprehension difficulty was associated with selectively compromised mental information processing speed. Conclusion - Sentence comprehension difficulty in MS is associated with slowed information processing speed. This finding supports the claim that information processing speed contributes to sentence processing.
Influence of surface chemical modification on charge transport properties in ultrathin silicon membranes

Ultrathin silicon-on-insulator, composed of a crystalline sheet of silicon bounded by native oxide and a buried oxide layer, is extremely resistive because of charge trapping at the interfaces between the sheet of silicon and the oxide. After chemical modification of the top surface with hydrofluoric acid (HF), the sheet resistance drops to values below what is expected based on bulk doping alone. We explain this behavior in terms of surface-induced band structure changes combined with the effective isolation from bulk properties created by crystal thinness.
Three new species of Phyllodesmium Ehrenberg Gastropoda Nudibranchia Aeolidoidea, and a revised phylogenetic analysis

Mimicry and camouflage are an important protective measure for nudibranch gastropods. In the genus Phyllodesmium, species have evolved elaborate morphological traits that allow them to be very cryptic among their coral prey. In this study, three new species of Phyllodesmium from the Philippine islands are described: Phyllodesmium tuberculatum n. sp., Phyllodesmium pinnatum n. sp., and Phyllodesmium karenae n. sp. The first two, P. tuberculatum and P. pinnatum, are highly cryptic on their prey and were already included in a phylogenetic analysis by Moore & Gosliner (in press). The third species (P. karenae) is newly discovered and has not yet been observed on its prey. A revised morphological phylogenetic analysis is presented that includes this species, as well as three species that were recently described by Burghardt et al. (2008a). In addition, the current analysis excludes a previously presumed new species, which was referred to as Phyllodesmium sp. 3 by Moore & Gosliner (in press), because it was determined to be an abnormally preserved specimen of P. jakobsenae. The newest species, P. karenae, has an unusual dental morphology, no branching of the digestive diverticula, and no zooxanthellae present in the cerata. It fell into the basal part of the phylogeny, as was expected based on previous general trends showing the derived status of symbiotic species. The three species described by Burghardt et al. (2008a), two of which are associated with xeniid corals, appear in a highly unresolved part of the phylogeny including other xeniid-associated species. One of these, P. koehleri, is not associated with xeniid corals but is indistinguishably intermixed within this clade. Decay analysis values for most nodes are low, indicating that support for this topology is lacking. It is recommended that the addition of less ambiguous characters, such as genetic sequences, be considered for further phylogenetic analyses.
Participatory Action Research With Older Adults: Key Principles in Practice

Purpose: Although participatory action research (PAR) is increasingly viewed as an important complement to traditional investigator-driven research, relatively little PAR has taken place in which older adults have been prominent partners. This article provides a review of the literature on PAR in gerontology, highlighting key studies and their implications. Design and Methods: We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and ERIC for relevant articles, supplementing our results through the bibliographies of articles identifi ed and consultation with colleagues. This search yielded 75 articles of potential relevance, of which we selected 13 (covering 10 studies) that best adhered to the roles of PAR in gerontology. Results: PAR projects with older adults have utilized a variety of research methodologies in a broad range of social contexts. Each of the 10 studies examined illustrates several core principles of PAR. Furthermore, while suffering from some methodological limitations, each also highlights value added in terms of research quality, elders ’ skill building, and/or action outcomes. Implications: Involving older adults in PAR, while labor intensive and challenging, may offer promise as an underdeveloped resource for the fi eld of social gerontology, as well as for elders themselves.
Development of the Pretreatment Readiness Scale for Substance Abusers: Modification of an Existing Motivation Assessment

The Texas Christian University-Treatment Motivation Assessment (TCU-TMA) was originally developed to assess motivation among in-treatment opiod users. Numerous studies of in-treatment substance abusers in a variety of settings have confirmed the three factors present in the scale, including Problem Recognition, Desire For Help, and Treatment Readiness. The goal of the present study was to examine the factor structure of the TCU-TMA in a sample of 367 pretreatment substance abusers assessed at a centralized intake unit who had not yet entered treatment. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses led to the development of the Pretreatment Readiness Scale (PRS) that, like the TCU-TMA, contained Problem Recognition and Treatment Readiness factors. Desire for Change replaced Desire for Help in the new scale and Treatment Reluctance indicated mixed feelings about entering treatment. The implications of these findings on developing interventions for the pretreatment group will be discussed.
MicroRNAs and Cardiac Regeneration

The human heart has a limited capacity to regenerate lost or damaged cardiomyocytes after cardiac insult. Instead, myocardial injury is characterized by extensive cardiac remodeling by fibroblasts, resulting in the eventual deterioration of cardiac structure and function. Cardiac function would be improved if these fibroblasts could be converted into cardiomyocytes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs that promote mRNA degradation and inhibit mRNA translation, have been shown to be important in cardiac development. Using this information, various researchers have used miRNAs to promote the formation of cardiomyocytes through several approaches. Several miRNAs acting in combination promote the direct conversion of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes. Moreover, several miRNAs have been identified that aid the formation of inducible pluripotent stem cells and miRNAs also induce these cells to adopt a cardiac fate. MiRNAs have also been implicated in resident cardiac progenitor cell differentiation. In this review, we discuss the current literature as it pertains to these processes, as well as discussing the therapeutic implications of these findings.
Challenges to publishing pharmacy resident research projects from the perspectives of residency program directors and residents

*Objective: To identify barriers to completing and publishing pharmacy residency research projects from the perspective of program directors and former residents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of pharmacy residency program directors and former post-graduate year one and two residents. Directors of pharmacy residency programs whose residents present their projects at the Western States Conference (n=216) were invited to complete an online survey and asked to forward the survey to former residents of their program in 2009, 2010, or 2011. The survey focused on four broad areas: 1) demographic characteristics of the residency programs, directors, and residents; 2) perceived value of the research project; 3) perceived barriers with various stages of research; and 4) selfidentified barriers to successful research project completion and publication. Results: A total of 32 program directors and 98 residents completed the survey. The minority of programs offered formal residency research training. Both groups reported value in the research project as part of residency training. Significantly more directors reported obtaining institutional review board approval and working through the publication process as barriers to the research project (46.7% vs. 22.6% and 73.3% vs. 43.0%, respectively p<0.05) while residents were more likely to report collecting and analyzing the data as barriers (34.4% vs. 13.3% and 39.8% vs. 20.0%, respectively, p<0.05). Both groups self-identified time constraints and limitations in study design or
Living kidney organ donation: experiences of spousal support of donors

Aim. The purpose of this study was to explore the process of living kidney donation as experienced by husbands of donors to aid nurses and all members of the health care team in promoting informed consent for those considering living donation and to promote the well being of spouses of living donors, donors and their families. Background. The attitudes of husbands of living kidney donors may affect their decision to donate and satisfaction with recovery from donation surgery, thus it is critical to know how husbands of living kidney donors view kidney donation. Methods. Eleven male spouses of living kidney donors were interviewed three months following their wife's donation. Grounded theory methodology was used to inaugurate a substantive theory that describes living kidney donation and its impact on the spousal relationship and family, as experienced by the husband of a donor. Results. The result of the data analysis was a substantive theory pertaining strictly to the husbands’ experiences as the spouse of the living kidney donor. The process commenced with scheduling of the living donation followed by the postoperative time frame, including bringing the donor wife home. The core variable, ‘Fulfilling Your Vows’, described attitudes, behaviours and actions that guided husbands in successfully and generously caring for their wives, their families, the recipients and themselves throughout the living kidney donation process and continuing ‘to this day’. Relevance to clinical practice. The substantive theory of ‘Fulfilling Your Vows’ will guide nurses and other transplant specialists in helping to improve fully informed consent of potential donors before surgery and in developing supportive strategies to maximize spouse, donor and family outcomes throughout the transplantation process.
Diffusion in the dynamic Ising system : Simulation and scaling

Abstract We investigate diffusion through dynamic network structures modeled by the Ising paradigm both at the infinite temperature condition – random dynamic percolation (RDP) limit – and at finite temperatures. In a 2d system the simulations yielded exponents for the diffusion coefficients that were consistent with other published theoretical results we are aware of at the RDP limit. These exponents showed very little change at the finite temperatures we investigated. This study suggests that the computational paradigm presented will be useful for theoretically investigating transport in systems exhibiting dynamic disorder, e.g. conductance behavior in supercritical microemulsion mixtures.
Task Appropriateness of Mnemonic Techniques

The present article reviewed research in which two or more mnemonic techniques in the paradigms of either free recall, paired-associate, or serial learning have been compared. The review showed tha...
Service Quality Variation Across Urban Space: First Steps Toward a Model of Citizen Satisfaction

There is currently a strong focus on alternative service delivery models and improved government service in the urban and public administration fields. A key aspect of this has been the institution...
In Vitro Evaluation of Functional Interaction of Integrin αvβ3 and Matrix Metalloprotease-2

Integrin alphavbeta3 and matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) are two established molecular targets of angiogenesis. Basic understanding of various forms of functional interaction of integrin alphavbeta3 and active MMP-2 may be used to develop therapeutic approaches. Based upon the idea that integrins are present on the surface of invasive cells and MMP-2 may be localized to this and other cell-surface receptors, we investigated the hypothesis that integrin binding will alter cleavage of MMP-2 substrates. To investigate this hypothesis, integrin-binding and MMP-2 cleavable motifs were combined in a single peptide, MMP-RGD, designed with fluorescent probes for monitoring peptide cleavage. MMP-RGD was bound to integrin alphavbeta3 with equal affinity compared to the integrin-binding motif and was cleaved with equal specificity by active MMP-2. MMP-RGD bound to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). MMP-2 from HUVECs cleaved MMP-RGD, but the cleavage was not altered due to integrin binding. Our results indicate that integrin alphavbeta3 and active MMP-2 may not be as functionally collaborative for substrate cleavage as expected based on the current knowledge of their cell surface colocalization.
Development of a New Measure for Assessing Insulin Delivery Device Satisfaction in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Background: Although many different types of insulin delivery devices are currently available, there is no well-accepted, validated method to assess patient satisfaction with these devices and their impact on quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes. To address this problem, we developed the Insulin Device Satisfaction Survey (IDSS) and herein describe its construction and validation. We then examine how key patient factors are associated with device satisfaction. Materials and Methods: Items were developed from interviews with adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) (n=10) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) using insulin (n=10), as well as eight healthcare professionals, leading to an initial pool of 32 items. Separate exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were conducted with T1D subjects (n=279) and insulin-using T2D subjects (n=209). Construct validity was established with overall well-being (World Health Organization-5), diabetes distress (Diabetes Distress Scale), diabetes self-efficacy (Self-Effic...
A Cross-Sport Athletic Performance Rating Scale:

An Athletic Performance Rating Scale, developed for comparing the characteristics of successful athletes across sports, was used by 17 coaches to rate 74 men and 83 women on 17 varsity collegiate teams. A 5-factor scale measuring Self-motivation, Self-confidence, Emotional Stability, Athletic Ability, and Character was developed using principal components analysis.
Capacity of spatio-temporally structured MIMO channels with estimation errors

Practical MIMO channels often exhibit structure in both space and time, i.e. a spatio-temporal structure. The potential of exploiting this structure in training based schemes is studied using a common ray-based channel model that captures parts of the structure observed in measurements. A lower bound, the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRB), on the channel estimation error and a lower bound on the capacity are used to study the potential gain in exploiting channel structure. It is found that the training based capacity may be substantially increased since a more parsimonious channel model with fewer parameters to estimate can be used. Numerical evaluations indicate that the capacity grows with the number of antennas, similar to the case of a known channel if the structure is exploited. If it is not exploited, the training-based capacity reaches a maximum after which it decreases with the number of antennas. Furthermore, the temporal structure can be used to interpolate or predict the channel between training instants and it is found that prediction can improve performance for training based schemes.
Thermoacoustically controlled Helmholtz resonators

Helmholtz resonators and their modifications are commonly applied for suppressing unwanted sound, including acoustic oscillations in chambers of propulsion and power systems. Sound absorption chara...
Methods for Inoculation and Recovery of Salmonella from Chicken Eggs

Abstract Various methods of applying inoculum and recovering low numbers of artificially inoculated Salmonella typhimurium on eggs were evaluated. Inoculation methods tested were suspending cells in 1) .85% saline; 2) 1% peptone; 3) sterile chicken fecal paste; or 4) a 1:10 dilution of chicken feces in .85% saline. Sampling methods tested were 1) shell and membrane massage; and 2) mortar and pestle grinding of shells and membranes. The method that yielded the best recovery of low numbers of Salmonella was as follows: 1) apply cell suspension in 1% peptone to egg; 2) sample egg by a hand crush and massage of shell and membranes in 50 mL of buffered peptone; 3) incubate shell and membranes in buffered peptone overnight and then plate onto selective agar. Methods that did not improve sensitivity of recovery included varying the inoculum drying time, addition of FeSO4 or Cleland's reagent to the recovery medium, and varying the temperature of the inoculum to affect penetration.
Is Work-Family Policy Use Related to the Gendered Division of Housework?

Researchers have proposed that work-family policy use may either reinforce or challenge the existing gendered division of labor within couples, but results from prior studies have been inconclusive. Using data from a regional survey of work and family life, we extend this research by focusing on how housework is divided within couples and by differentiating between traditionally female- and male- typed housework tasks. Results show that among dual-earning women, policy use is not related to share of female- or male-typed tasks. Among dual-earning men, policy use is positively related to share of female-typed tasks and negatively related to share of male-typed tasks. These findings suggest that work-family policy use does not reinforce the gendered division of housework.
Automatic learning of assembly tasks using a DataGlove system

This paper deals with the automatic programming of robots. We present here a method in which a robot can learn new assembly tasks by monitoring the performance of a human operator wearing a DataGlove. In particular, the system records the motions of the DataGlove as it is used to manipulate actual objects and, by using geometric reasoning, deduces the assembly task that is being performed. Subsequently, the assembly steps thus deduced are translated automatically by a task planner into a robot manipulation program. In experimental demonstrations of this system, the robot can now learn assembly tasks involving pickups, putdowns and various mating operations.
Mechanisms of differentiation in the Skaergaard Intrusion

Thanks to its magnificent exposures and extraordinary petrologic development, the Skaergaard Intrusion provides an excellent test for three basic mechanisms of crystal-liquid fractionation: diffusive exchange, compaction, convective exchange. (1) Diffusive exchange at the solidification front does not seem to have played a major role, for no obvious difference is seen in the behavior of components of widely differing diffusivities. The effects of diffusion were probably masked by porous flow of the interstitial liquid. (2) Compaction and 9filter pressing9 of residual liquids can be tested by comparing concentrations of incompatible elements in parts of the intrusion that crystallized in different orientations with respect to gravity. The contrast between the large concentrations of these elements in the Upper Border Series and consistently smaller abundances in the Layered Series, long thought to ‘be due to contamination of the upper levels with crustal rocks, is more likely a result of compaction that took place at the floor but not under the roof. (3) Convective exchange driven by differences in the compositional densities of the main magma and interstitial liquids seems to have been important at the steep walls and, to a lesser degree, under the roof. It may also have been responsible for a large compositional anomaly near the centre of the Layered Series where an iron-rich liquid percolated down through parts of Lower and Middle Zones. At later stages of crystallization when density relations were reversed, a buoyant liquid, rich in volatiles and incompatible elements, rose from the Layered Series and permeated the upper part of the intrusion. A liquid of this latter kind could have caused the pervasive metasomatic alteration seen in much of the Layered Series. In both compaction and convective exchange, re-equilibration and reactions between migrating liquids and early-formed crystals augmented permeabilities and brought about extensive compositional and textural changes. Although inhomogeneities in the initial magma could account for some of the compositional variations, the main trend of differentiation can be ascribed to a combination of compaction and convective fractionation. The convective flow was of two kinds, one of descending iron-rich liquids and another of more evolved rising liquids (and fluids) with low densities and large concentrations of incompatible elements. In the early stages, the proportions of iron-rich liquids were much greater than those of the silica-rich variety, and until the crystallization fronts converged at the Sandwich Horizon, the former made the greatest contribution to evolution of the main body of magma. As crystallization advanced, however, light, silica-rich liquids became more important; they permeated the Upper Border Series and much of the upper part of the Layered Series. This late-stage liquid continued to differentiate after the crystallization fronts met; a secondary Sandwich Horizon was formed where incompatible elements reach maximum concentrations in the lower part of the Upper Border Series.
Does Damage to DNA and Other Macromolecules Play a Role in Aging? If So, How?

One of the most pervasive ideas regarding the causes of aging is that longevity is constrained in large measure by damage to macromolecules. An increasing body of cellular and molecular data, generated over the past decade or so, has generally supported this "damage accumulation" hypothesis of aging. There remain unanswered questions regarding which types of damage are most important for driving aging. In addition, there have been recent challenges to the damage accumulation hypothesis and a new emphasis on the importance of cellular responses and the sequelae to damage, rather damage per se. New tools and approaches are on the horizon and will need to be developed and implemented before we can fully understand whether and to what extent macromolecular damage drives aging phenotypes.
Efficient Reconstruction of Multi-Phase Morphologies from Correlation Functions

A highly efficient algorithm for the reconstruction of microstructures of heterogeneous media from spatial correlation functions is presented. Similar to previously proposed algorithms, the new method relies on Monte Carlo optimization, representing the microstructure on a discrete grid. An efficient way to update the correlation functions after local changes to the structure is introduced. In addition, the rate of convergence is substantially enhanced by selective Monte Carlo moves at interfaces. Speedups over prior methods of more than two orders of magnitude are thus achieved. The algorithm is ideally suited for parallel computers. The increase in efficiency brings new classes of problems within the realm of the tractable, notably those involving several different structural length scales and/or components.
Growth Mechanisms of Electrodeposited CuInSe2 and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Determined by Cyclic Voltammetry

Electrodeposition (ED) of CuInSe2-based thin films from a buffered single-bath on dcsputtered Mo layers has been investigated. In order to understand the film growth, cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to identify mechanisms leading to the formation of CuInSe2 and Cu(In,Ga)Se2. Similar CV data were observed for deposition from Cu-Se, Cu-In-Se, Cu-Ga-Se, and Cu-In-Ga-Se baths. A preliminary mechanism for CuInSe2 and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 film growth has been proposed from CV, composition and glancing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD) data. Incorporation of In into the growing films occurs via reaction with H2Se, formed by reduction of the initially deposited Cu3Se2, to form In2Se3, which is in turn rapidly assimilated into the film by reaction with copper selenides to form CuInSe2. The incorporation of Ga may occur via a similar mechanism, however, the precipitation of Ga(OH)3 can not be ruled out as a possible route for Ga uptake. All as-deposited ED CuInSe2–based films have poor crystallinity and require annealing in H2Se prior to device processing. Preliminary device results are presented, reporting a conversion efficiency of 6.5% and 6.2% for electrodeposited CuInSe2 and Cu(In,Ga)Se2, respectively.
Clinical Implications of Impaired Sleep

Despite its pervasiveness in primary care, deficient sleep often is underappreciated as a cue to other health risks. Accordingly, this review discusses contemporary evidence-based perspectives on i...
Physiologic responses attending administration of antimony, alone or with simultaneous injections of thyroxin.

SummaryA study was made on the metabolic effects and the tissue distribution of antimony when administered alone or with simultaneous injections of thyroxin. It was found that: 1) there appeared to be little effect on the body weight or oxygen uptake following ingestion of anitmony trioxide in the amounts employed in these studies; 2) thyroxin activity was intensified by antimony trioxide resulting in a greater degree of hypermetabolism than was observed with thyroxin alone; 3) the relative distribution of antimony in the tissues was not significantly altered by injections of thyroxin; 4) the glandular hyperplasia observed in the thyroids of the antimony group was not present in the thyroxin-antimony group which suggests a difference in the mechanism of action.
Radiations from P 30 , Cl 34 , and K 38

Results are reported on the measurement of the radiations from the 2.55-min activity in ${\mathrm{P}}^{30}$, the 32.40\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 min activity in ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{34}$ and the 7.7-min activity in ${\mathrm{K}}^{38}$ by means of a large double-lens spectrometer and a NaI scintillation spectrometer. ${\mathrm{P}}^{30}$ has a simple positron spectrum with end point at 3.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 Mev and no gamma rays or conversion electrons. ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{34}$ has a complex positron spectrum with end points at 4.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 Mev 2.48\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07 Mev, and 1.33\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10 Mev. ${\mathrm{K}}^{38}$ has a simple positron spectrum with end point at 2.68\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 Mev and no conversion electrons. These results indicate an $\mathrm{ft}$ value for the ground ($T=1$) state of ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{34}$ of 3160\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}120 sec, and indicate that the ground states of ${\mathrm{P}}^{30}$ and ${\mathrm{K}}^{38}$ are probably the $T=0$ states.
Privacy in Cross-System Personalization

Cross-system personalization (CSP), an innovative technology that enables consistent personalized user experience across different applications, platforms and even devices, is gaining substantial momentum both in academia and industry. Despite the potential benefits to both service providers and end users, CSP raises thorny privacy issues. This paper discusses these potential privacy issues in CSP and suggests directions for future research.
Hydrogen Peroxide Production in Dopamine Neurons

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an oxidant that is hazardous to neurons. A major cellular mechanism for the detoxification of hydrogen peroxide is through the glutathione peroxidase/glutathione reductase pathway. The oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH) by glutathione peroxidase results in the formation of oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Increased steady-state levels of GSSG can provide an index of oxidative stress.
In Search of Power: Peace or a Sword?

If many Capahosic participants had ties to an older, traditional GOP and retained a quid pro quo approach to politics, more internationally minded Republicans began to rival Democrats in looking outward at a global environment in transition. They looked for counsel to such figures as Harvard professor Henry Kissinger, for whom Urban League director Lester Granger wrote a policy paper during the Eisenhower years. Kissinger had directed a seminar focused on the status of the United States in the world. Granger’s contribution, “The Racial Factor in International Relations,” advocated decolonization and racial reform. Granger used conventional cold war arguments to suggest approaches for improving the United States’ image. He called for a coherent State Department program for foreign visitors of color and recommended removing materials in United States Information Agency (USIA) libraries that denigrated African Americans. Granger placed considerable emphasis on propaganda work, including “good will missions,” foreign aid, and the integration of the Foreign Service. In line with the Urban League’s focus on placing minority candidates in jobs, his recommendations leaned heavily on the appointment of “American Negroes of high qualification” for overseas posts. He expressed skepticism, however, about sending popular black entertainers on foreign tours. Granger “seriously questioned,” for instance, whether having jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong play before a “shouting, swaying, rocking and rolling Gold Coast audience,” advanced the best interests of the United States. Instead of Satchmo’s sweaty vulgarity, the punctilious Granger believed, “skillful, well-trained and highly intelligent” blacks would be far more appropriate representatives. The Urban League director’s disdain for such authentic expressions of African-American culture as jazz was not rare at the time.
The Clinical Evaluation of Osteoporosis in Men

Publisher Summary The evaluation of osteoporosis in men is a clinical challenge. Nevertheless, it is becoming more apparent that principles developed for the approach to osteoporosis in women are probably useful in approaching similar problems in men. Men at highest risk (and who therefore deserve most diagnostic attention) are older, Caucasian, have medical conditions associated with low bone mass or falls, have a positive family history of osteoporosis, and have had previous fractures. A primary goal is to understand the factors that contribute to fracture risk, and the most important aspect of the evaluation is the initial history, physical examination, and routine laboratory testing. Bone mass measures are very useful in identifying those at increased fracture risk, but diagnostic criteria are still not well formulated in men. Unfortunately, in a large fraction of men (particularly younger patients), no obvious etiology will be identified (idiopathic osteoporosis).
Nature-Inspired Computing: Physics and Chemistry-Based Algorithms

Nature-Inspired Computing: Physics and Chemistry-Based Algorithms provides a comprehensive introduction to the methodologies and algorithms in nature-inspired computing, with an emphasis on applications to real-life engineering problems. The research interest for Nature-inspired Computing has grown considerably exploring different phenomena observed in nature and basic principles of physics, chemistry, and biology. The discipline has reached a mature stage and the field has been well-established. This endeavour is another attempt at investigation into various computational schemes inspired from nature, which are presented in this book with the development of a suitable framework and industrial applications. Designed for senior undergraduates, postgraduates, research students, and professionals, the book is written at a comprehensible level for students who have some basic knowledge of calculus and differential equations, and some exposure to optimization theory. Due to the focus on search and optimization, the book is also appropriate for electrical, control, civil, industrial and manufacturing engineering, business, and economics students, as well as those in computer and information sciences. With the mathematical and programming references and applications in each chapter, the book is self-contained, and can also serve as a reference for researchers and scientists in the fields of system science, natural computing, and optimization.