cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motor engagement relates to accurate perception of phonemes and audiovisual words, but not auditory words

A longstanding debate has surrounded the role of the motor system in speech perception, but progress in this area has been limited by tasks that only examine isolated syllables and conflate decision-making with perception. Using an adaptive task that temporally isolates perception from decision-making, we examined an EEG signature of motor activity (sensorimotor μ/beta suppression) during the perception of auditory phonemes, auditory words, audiovisual words, and environmental sounds while holding difficulty constant at two levels (Easy/Hard). Results revealed left-lateralized sensorimotor μ/beta suppression that was related to perception of speech but not environmental sounds. Audiovisual word and phoneme stimuli showed enhanced left sensorimotor μ/beta suppression for correct relative to incorrect trials, while auditory word stimuli showed enhanced suppression for incorrect trials. Our results demonstrate that motor involvement in perception is left-lateralized, is specific to speech stimuli, and it not simply the result of domain-general processes. These results provide evidence for an interactive network for speech perception in which dorsal stream motor areas are dynamically engaged during the perception of speech depending on the characteristics of the speech signal. Crucially, this motor engagement has different effects on the perceptual outcome depending on the lexicality and modality of the speech stimulus. Michaelis et al. used extra-cranial EEG during a forced-choice identification task to investigate the role of the motor system in speech perception. Their findings suggest that left hemisphere dorsal stream motor areas are dynamically engaged during speech perception based on the properties of the stimulus.
What about trauma? Accounting for trauma exposure and symptoms in the risk of suicide among adolescents who have been adopted.

Abstract Background Research suggests that individuals who have been adopted are at increased risk for suicidal behaviors, but this research does not account for the role of trauma. Objectives The study provided rates of trauma exposure among individuals who were adopted with child welfare involvement. The study also examined risk of suicidal ideation (SI) and behaviors (SB) based on adoption status, first as bivariate associations and then in context of trauma exposure and symptoms. Participants and setting Participants in the LONGSCAN study were recruited at multiple US sites based on various risk factors for maltreatment. The current study included only those individuals with adequate information at key timepoints (n = 894), 106 (11.9%) of whom were adopted. Methods Measures were collected at multiple timepoints, including caregiver-report, self-report, and review of child welfare records. Data were analyzed through logistic regression and descriptive statistics. Results High rates of potentially traumatic experiences were found among individuals who were adopted (over 93%). The bivariate logistic regression replicated previous findings that adolescents who were adopted had increased likelihood of endorsing SI (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.27–3.60, p = .004) and SB (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.24–4.63, p = .009) compared to non-adopted peers. However, when polytrauma and traumatic stress symptoms were added to the model, adoption was no longer a significant predictor for SI (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.70–2.60, p = .369) or SB (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.68–3.13, p = .332). Conclusions Although much remains to be explored about the association between adoption and risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, the current study indicates that traumatic stress plays a critical role.
Generalized surface morphology model for Si photonic waveguide simulation

A generalized surface morphology model is presented and validated to more effectively simulate the effects of surface variations (e.g., surface roughness and local thickness variations) on integrated Si photonic waveguides. To demonstrate the validity of this approach, a variety of surface roughness morphologies generated using this model are incorporated within a commercial finite-difference-time domain (FDTD) modeling package to simulate waveguide loss in Si strip optical waveguide geometries typically encountered in Si-based photonic integrated circuits. The FDTD simulation results are in very good agreement with the Payne and Lacey theoretical model for radiation-mode scattering loss based on surface correlation functions for RMS roughness values exceeding 2 to 3 nm where such scattering dominates. This agreement validates the efficacy of the generalized surface morphology model and its use for investigating the effects of irregular surface variations on photonic device performance.
Dermal erythropoiesis in neonatal infants. A manifestation of intra-uterine viral disease.

Six cases of a unique transient dermatopathy occurring in neonatal infants and consisting of extramedullary dermal erythropoiesis are described. The process is transient. Three cases, on clinical, pathologic, and cultural grounds, were shown to be associated with viral infection due to cytomegalovirus. Two cases were presumed to be due to congenital rubella virus infection on clinicopathologic grounds. The sixth case was presumably associated with viral infection of unknown etiology. Embryologic and pathogenetic aspects of the cutaneous lesions are discussed.
Recourse to Force: Use of force by the United Nations

The Charter and uses of force Chapter 1 has provided a brief synopsis of the origins of a post-war Charter-based system pertaining to the use of force in international affairs. For the first time, international law fully and formally embraced the Lauterpachtian ground-norm: “there shall be no violence.” Article 2(4) obliges all member states to “refrain … from the threat or use of force”: not just to renounce war but all forms of interstate violence. This dedication to non-violence by states is coupled in the Charter with an extensive commitment to collective measures against violators of the peace of nations. Article 39 authorizes the Security Council “to determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression,” and empower it to “make recommendations, or decide what measures shall be taken … to maintain or restore international peace and security.” Article 25 requires all members of the United Nations to join in implementing such decisions. Finally, Article 42 authorizes the Council, lesser measures having failed, to “take such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security.” To that end, Article 43 pledges all members “to make available to the Security Council, on its call and in accordance with a special agreement or agreements, armed forces, assistance, and facilities, including rights of passage, necessary for the purpose of maintaining international peace and security.”
Nuclear physics information needed for accelerator driven transmutation of nuclear waste

There is renewed interest in using accelerator driven neutron sources to address the problem of high level long-lived nuclear waste. Several laboratories have developed systems that may have a significant impact on the future use of nuclear power, adding options for dealing with long-lived actinide wastes and fission products, and for power production. This paper describes a new Los Alamos concept using thermal neutrons and examines the nuclear data requirements.
INHIBITION OF CHONDROGENESIS BY WNT GENE EXPRESSION IN VIVO AND IN VITRO

The Wnt family of secreted signaling proteins are implicated in regulating morphogenesis and tissue patterning in a wide variety of organ systems. SeveralWntgenes are expressed in the developing limbs and head, implying roles in skeletal development. To explore these functions, we have used retroviral gene transfer to expressWnt-1 ectopically in the limb buds and craniofacial region of chick embryos. Infection of wing buds at stage 17 and tissues in the head at stage 10 resulted in skeletal abnormalities whose most consistent defects suggested a localized failure of cartilage formation. To test this hypothesis, we infected micromass cultures of prechondrogenic mesenchymein vitroand found that expression ofWnt-1 caused a severe block in chondrogenesis.Wnt-7a, a gene endogenously expressed in the limb and facial ectoderm, had a similar inhibitory effect. Further analysis of this phenomenonin vitroshowed thatWnt-1 andWnt-7a had mitogenic effects only in early prechondrogenic mesenchyme, that cell aggregation and formation of the prechondrogenic blastema occurred normally, and that the block to differentiation was at the late-blastema/early-chondroblast stage. These results indicate that Wnt signals can have specific inhibitory effects on cytodifferentiation and suggest that one function of endogenous Wnt proteins in the limbs and face may be to influence skeletal morphology by localized inhibition of chondrogenesis.
Multiculturalism versus Women's Rights Conflicts: Intersectionality and the State in South Africa

Conflicts between multiculturalism and women’s rights occur when minority group practices clash with the liberal rights of minority women. Theorists argue that liberal democracies ought to adopt just negotiating practices to resolve these conflicts; empiricists investigate how rights legislation for minority groups and women gets passed. Few scholars examine the origins of these conflicts, how they are reproduced, and their effects on minority women. Drawing on intersectionality theory I argue that multiculturalism versus women’s rights conflicts are rooted in unitary rights (cultural rights, women’s rights; not minority women’s rights) and that these rights call up conflicts that entrench minority women’s domination. The more that liberal democracies endorse unitary rights the more state elites address multiculturalism versus women’s rights conflicts and institutionalize them throughout the state. As a result, minority women become the targets of state policy. Because they rarely have influence in liberal democratic politics, this means they become the objects of these conflicts instead of citizens claiming their rights. Hence unitary rights are complicit in perpetuating minority women’s domination. Drawing on policy documents, newspaper articles, and 27 semi-structured interviews I probe the plausibility of these arguments in South Africa. I find that multiculturalism versus women’s rights conflicts pervade state institutions and that women living under customary law have limited political influence over these conflicts. An intersectional approach to substantive political rights may offer resources for addressing these problems.
Old Vices, New Technology: Chinese People Accessing Pornography

Scholars of China and its East Asian neighbors are well aware of the region's long-standing histories of sexuality, pornography, erotica, and sex-related industries (van Gulik, 1974; Brownell & Was...
Early Effector Cells Survive the Contraction Phase in Malaria Infection and Generate Both Central and Effector Memory T Cells

CD4 T cells orchestrate immunity against blood-stage malaria. However, a major challenge in designing vaccines to the disease is poor understanding of the requirements for the generation of protective memory T cells (Tmem) from responding effector T cells (Teff) in chronic parasite infection. In this study, we use a transgenic mouse model with T cells specific for the merozoite surface protein (MSP)-1 of Plasmodium chabaudi to show that activated T cells generate three distinct Teff subsets with progressive activation phenotypes. The earliest observed Teff subsets (CD127(-)CD62L(hi)CD27(+)) are less divided than CD62L(lo) Teff and express memory genes. Intermediate (CD62L(lo)CD27(+)) effector subsets include the most multicytokine-producing T cells, whereas fully activated (CD62L(lo)CD27(-)) late effector cells have a terminal Teff phenotype (PD-1(+), Fas(hi), AnnexinV(+)). We show that although IL-2 promotes expansion, it actually slows terminal effector differentiation. Using adoptive transfer, we show that only early Teff survive the contraction phase and generate the terminal late Teff subsets, whereas in uninfected recipients, they become both central and effector Tmem. Furthermore, we show that progression toward full Teff activation is promoted by increased duration of infection, which in the long-term promotes Tem differentiation. Therefore, we have defined markers of progressive activation of CD4 Teff at the peak of malaria infection, including a subset that survives the contraction phase to make Tmem, and show that Ag and cytokine levels during CD4 T cell expansion influence the proportion of activated cells that can survive contraction and generate memory in malaria infection.
Automated analysis and computationally efficient synthesis of acoustic guitar strings and body

Synthesis of stringed instrument sounds that match an acoustic prototype requires models for the string oscillation and the instrument body. Cost-effective digital filters that implement physical models of oscillating strings have been extensively studied; the current challenge is in the inexpensive replication of the spectral changes induced by the body of a physical instrument. Currently reported synthesis efforts suggest that a linear body model based on sampled impulse responses of the guitar body cannot be designed to be computationally efficient. Using an advanced IIR filter design algorithm and sampled impulse responses of the guitar body, a computationally efficient model of the guitar body is determined and can be used for synthesis of an acoustic guitar sound. Digital filters model the horizontal and vertical guitar string vibrations. A sampled plucked guitar string is analyzed to extract a linear prediction error and a Fourier series representation of the string response. A segment of the linear prediction error, which captures transient plucking effects, is used as the input to the vertical string model. The Fourier series coefficients are used to synthesize one period of the steady-state response, which is used as the input to the horizontal string model. Horizontal and vertical decay rates are analyzed from the beginning and end of the sampled string data, respectively. The guitar body model is used to provide resonance and amplify the frequencies of interest.
Structure and Dynamics of the Iodine Column in the Polyiodine Canal Complex: (Benzophenone)9 (KI)2I7 CHCI3

Abstract (Benzophenone)9(KI)2I7CHCI3 belongs to a group of polyiodine complexes between iodine and benzophenone which exhibits the unusual property of a large frequency dependent conductivity, thus, indicating a major contribution due to ionic conductivity. Resonance Raman spectroscopy is used to investigate the structure and dynamics of the iodine column. It is found that the potassium complex contains two types of iodine species: I3 − and I3 −/I2 complex. A temperature dependence study reveals no phase transition below room temperature, however consideraable anharmonicity as well as structural disorder exist in the iodine column. Substitution of cations from K+ to NH+ 4 and Na+ has small effect on the iodine interactions. However, replacing K+ with Li+ has a profound effect on the iodine column which now shows the presence of I5 − species in a relatively ordered structure. Although the substitution of the solvent molecule does not influence the nature of the iodine species, it does appear to affect the ...
Impact of moisture flux convergence and soil moisture on precipitation: a case study for the southern United States with implications for the globe

Interactions between soil moisture, evapotranspiration (ET), atmospheric moisture fluxes and precipitation are complex. It is difficult to attribute the variations of one variable to another. In this study, we investigate the influence of atmospheric moisture fluxes and land surface soil moisture on local precipitation, with a focus on the southern United States (U.S.), a region with a strong humidity gradient and intense moisture fluxes. Experiments with the Weather Research and Forecasting model show that the variation of moisture flux convergence (MFC) is more important than that of soil moisture for precipitation variation over the southern U.S. Further analyses decompose the precipitation change into several contributing factors and show that MFC affects precipitation both directly through changing moisture inflow (wet areas) and indirectly by changing the precipitation efficiency (transitional zones). Soil moisture affects precipitation mainly by changing the precipitation efficiency, and secondly through direct surface ET contribution. The greatest soil moisture effects are over transitional zones. MFC is more important for the probability of heavier rainfall; soil moisture has much weaker impact on rainfall probability and its roles are similar for the probability of intermediate-to-heavy rainfall (>10 mm day−1). Although MFC is more important than soil moisture for precipitation over most regions, the impact of soil moisture could be large over certain transitional regions. At the submonthly time scale, the African Sahel appears to be the only major region where soil moisture has a greater impact than MFC on precipitation. This study provides guidance to understanding and further investigation of the roles of local land surface processes and large-scale circulations on precipitation.
Learning, forgetting, and hospital quality: an empirical analysis of cardiac procedures in Maryland and Arizona.

This paper sets out an empirical model of learning with forgetting and uses it to estimate how much hospital quality improves with experience. The size of the learning effect and the depreciation rate are estimated for two cardiac procedures in Maryland and Arizona. Models are estimated using patient survival as the outcome of interest. The results show that learning does not appear to be a factor in hospital quality for either procedure or for surgery generally. From a policy standpoint, based on these results, regulations in Maryland that seek to concentrate these two procedures among a small number of providers could not be justified on the grounds that higher volume would increase the quality of care. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Home Environment and Family Resources to Support Literacy Interaction: Examples From Families of Children With Disabilities

Research Findings: Research on early literacy development within the family focuses primarily on parent–child interactions as they use literacy materials, typically books. However, features of the home environment and organization of family life, which provide the framework within which these interactions occur, are rarely investigated. These variables include space; time; family members' roles, responsibilities, and relationships; whether literacy activities are routines; and influences of community and culture. In this exploratory study, these physical, social, and symbolic resources of the family environment were measured using a home tour, photographs, book-reading observation, and an interview during two visits to six families who had children with mild to moderate disabilities. The data generated by these methods were then used to complete a summary measure, the Home Literacy Resource Checklist, for each family. The results indicated that the families who had previously reported reading to their chi...
Vehicular urban sensing: efficiency and privacy

There has been growing interest in urban surveillance using vehicles that monitor the environment, classify the events, e.g., license plate reading, and exchange metadata with neighbors in a peer-to-peer fashion. The idea is to create a totally distributed index of all the events, to be accessed by users. For instance, the Department of Transportation extracts traffic congestion statistics; the Department of Health monitors pollutants, and; the Police carries out forensic investigations. Mobile, vehicular sensing differs significantly from fixed (wireless) sensing. The vehicles have no strict limits on battery life, processing power and storage capabilities. Moreover they can generate an enormous volume of data, making current sensor harvesting solutions inadequate. In this talk we describes MobEyes, a middleware solution that diffuses data summaries to create a distributed index of the massive sensed data base. We discuss the challenges of designing and maintain such a system, from information dissemination to harvesting, routing and security.
Prevalence and impact of parent-reported disabling mental health conditions among U.S. children.

ABSTRACT Objectives To provide a current national profile of the prevalence and impact of parent-reported disabling mental health conditions in U.S. children. Method A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of 99,513 children younger than 18 years old included in the 1992–1994 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The response rate exceeded 94% in each year. Disability is defined as the long-term reduction in a child's ability to perform social role activities, such as school or play, as a result of his/her mental health condition. Results On average, 2.1 % of U.S. children were reported to suffer from a disabling mental health condition in 1992–1994. The most common reported causes of disability include mental retardation, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities. While national prevalence estimates were produced for some low-prevalence conditions such as autism (38/100,000), for many specific diagnoses the reported prevalence rates were too low for accurate national population estimates using this data set. Logistic regression analysis demonstrates that prevalence of a disabling mental health condition was higher for older children; males; children from low-income, single-parent families; and those with less education. These conditions are also associated with high rates of special education participation (approximately 80%) and health system use. Conclusions The NHIS provides a useful and untapped resource for estimating the prevalence of disabling mental health conditions. These conditions are increasingly prevalent and have a profound impact on children and the educational and health care systems.
ICU 2020: five interventions to revolutionize quality of care in the ICU

Intensive care units (ICUs) are an essential and unique component of modern medicine. The number of critically ill individuals, complexity of illness, and cost of care continue to increase with time. In order to meet future demands, maintain quality, and minimize medical errors, intensivists will need to look beyond traditional medical practice, seeking lessons on quality assurance from industry and aviation. Intensivists will be challenged to keep pace with rapidly advancing information technology and its diverse roles in ICU care delivery. Modern ICU quality improvement initiatives include ensuring evidence-based best practice, participation in multicenter ICU collaborations, employing state-of-the-art information technology, providing point-of-care diagnostic testing, and efficient organization of ICU care delivery. This article demonstrates that each of these initiatives has the potential to revolutionize the quality of future ICU care in the United States.
cis- and trans-2-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)cyclohexylamines: N-Methyl and N,N-Dimethyl Derivatives

The N-methyl and N,N-dimethyl derivatives of cis- and trans-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)cyclohexylamines were prepared for evaluation of psychotropic activity, Synthesis by catalytic reductive methylation and characterization by NMR spectroscopy are reported. Magnetic nonequivalence of the methyl groups was observed in the trans-N,N-dimethyl derivative under acidic conditions where inversion of the nitrogen atom is suppressed.
Familial aggregation of components of the multiple metabolic syndrome in the Framingham Heart and Offspring Cohorts: Genetic Analysis Workshop Problem 1

The multiple metabolic syndrome is defined by a clustering of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We sought to evaluate the familial correlations of the components of the syndrome using data from the Framingham Heart Study original and offspring cohorts as provided for the Genetic Analysis Workshop 13. Measures of plasma cholesterol (total and HDL), body mass index (BMI), and systolic blood pressure were used from selected calendar years of exams. Familial correlations were calculated using FCOR in S.A.G.E. The sibling correlations were relatively high for all measures and exams, from 0.17 for systolic blood pressure to 0.27 for HDL cholesterol. The parent-child correlations were very similar, except for systolic blood pressure. The avuncular correlations were much smaller and the cousin correlations were even smaller. For HDL cholesterol the avuncular correlation was half the sibling correlation and the cousin correlation was half that again. Spousal correlations ranged from 0.07 for systolic blood pressure to 0.34 for BMI. Correlations were somewhat lower from 1984 to 1987 examinations than from 1971 to 1975 examinations, except for spousal correlations for systolic blood pressure and BMI. The results of the family pair correlations are suggestive of genetic determinants of lipid levels and BMI. These components have been shown to be predictive of cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes. Genes in common with each of the components might also influence development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, both complex diseases.
Effect of human growth hormone on human pancreatic carcinoma growth, protein, and cell cycle kinetics.

The role of human growth hormone (hGH) as a nutritional adjunct for cancer patients is controversial because of its potential mitogenic effects on tumor growth. No studies to date have examined the effect of hGH on human tumor response in vivo. In Vitro: Athymic mice were injected (s.c.) daily with hGH (GH, n=14) or saline (CTL, n=14). On Day 10, serum was collected and added to human pancreatic carcinoma cells in culture. In Vivo: Athymic mice were inoculated (s.c.) with human pancreatic carcinoma cells. On Day 14, mice were randomized to receive daily either hGH (GH, n=14) or saline (CTL, n=12). On Day 29, animals received [3H]phenylalanine for tissue protein fractional synthetic rate (FSR) measurement. Tumors were excised and cell cycle kinetics analyzed. Data are expressed as mean +/- SEM. Statistical analysis was performed by unpaired t test and/or ANOVA where appropriate. In Vitro: Serum from GH-treated animals had elevated IGF-1 levels (287 +/- 34 ng/ml vs 157 +/- 53 ng/ml, P<0.001) and significantly stimulated cell growth (No. cells x 10(3)/well) compared with CTL serum (925 +/- 31 vs 747 +/- 38, P<0.001). In Vivo: Serum for GH-treated animals had elevated IGF-1 levels (287 +/- 34 ng/ml vs 157 +/- 53 ng/ml, P<0.001) and significantly stimulated cell growth (No. cells x 10(3)/well) compared with CTL serum (925 +/- 31 vs 747 +/- 38, P<0.001). In Vivo: Growth hormone had no significant effect on tumor growth rate (mm3/day) (1.45 +/- 0.47 CTL vs 1.57 +/- 0.66 GH), final tumor weight (mg) (0.19 +/- 0.15 CTL vs 0.17+/- 0.06 GH), DNA Index (1.5 +/- 0.1 CTL vs 1.5 +/- 0.1 GH), percent S phase (20.3 +/- 3.3 CTL vs 22.1 +/- 3.0 GH), or tumor FSR (%/day) (51.1 +/- 17.8 CTL vs 70.2 +/- 61.1 GH). Growth hormone significantly elevated serum IGF-1 levels (ng/ml) (176 +/- 48 CTL vs 222 +/- 53 GH, P<0.005) and liver FSR (%/day) (62.8 +/- 17.8 CTL vs 79.7 +/- 12.7 GH, P<0.005). Serum of GH-treated mice increased human pancreatic cell growth in vitro. In vivo, GH administration raised serum IGF-1 levels and increased liver protein FSR, without tumor growth, cell cycle kinetics, or protein FSR.
Screening and chiral symmetry breaking in three-dimensional SU(2) gauge theory with dynamical fermions

Abstract We study chiral symmetry breaking in three-dimensional SU(2) gauge theory with dynamical fermions using lattice computer simulations techniques. The lattice studies indicate that chiral symmetry breaking is a feature of the theory's continuum limit only for Nf, the number of light dynamical fermion, below a critical value Nc. We estimate Nc ≈ 5–6. Using staggered fermions we calculate ← Ψ Ψ→ on the lattice at strong coupling g 2 = ∢ and find no chiral symmetry breaking for N f ⪆ 8 . We discuss the theoretical obstacles which must be overcome before a reliable analytic l estimate of Nc is obtained. Applications of these results to models of high-Tc superconductivity are emphasized.
Serum and urinary lysozyme (muramidase) in monocytic and monomyelocytic leukemia

Markedly increased quantities of lysozyme have been found in the serum and urine (ranging to 2.6 g per day) of ten consecutive cases of monocytic and monomyelocytic leukemia. The enzyme has been isolated from the urine of several cases and physicochemically and immunochemically characterized. It is apparently identical to the lysozyme of normal tears, saliva, leukocytes, and serum, but structurally different from the lysozyme of hen's egg white. The activity of the human enzyme assayed with M. lysodeikticus organisms is 3 to 12 times greater than egg white lysozyme at equivalent concentrations. An agar plate method has been developed for quantitating lysozyme activity in small samples (approximately 25 µl) of serum, urine, or other biological fluids. The range and reproducibility of this method were found to be superior to previously available lysozyme assay procedures. Present evidence indicates that lysozyme is the principal, if not the sole, product of the proliferating monocytes in monocytic and monomyelocytic leukemia, and quantitation of serum and urine lysozyme should be a useful diagnostic procedure for these leukemias.
Epicardial mapping of ventricular fibrillation over the posterior descending artery and left posterior papillary muscle of the swine heart

Background Recent studies suggest that during ventricular fibrillation (VF) epicardial vessels may be a site of conduction block and the posterior papillary muscle (PPM) in the left ventricle (LV) may be the location of a “mother rotor.” The goal of this study was to obtain evidence to support or refute these possibilities.
Diversity in Distributed Decision Making: An Exploratory Study

During crises, relief agency commanders have to make decisions in a complex and uncertain environment, requiring them to continuously adapt to unforeseen environmental changes. In the process of adaptation, the commanders depend on information management systems for information. Yet there are still numerous reports of situations in which commanders had to make decisions based on incomplete, outdated or incorrect information, indicating poor information quality. In many of these situations, poor information quality can be attributed to the information management process incapable of adapting to external (environmental) changes and internal (team) information needs. Using dynamic capability theory and the findings of a case study, this paper presents four principles for information management adaptability: (1) maintain and update team memory, (2) dedicate resources for environmental scanning, (3) maximize the number of alternative information sources and (4) integrate forecasting and back casting methods in the information management process.
Robotic-Assisted, Ultrasound-Guided Abdominal Cerclage During Pregnancy: Overcoming Minimally Invasive Surgery Limitations?

Herein, we report robotic abdominal cerclage placement under ultrasound guidance. The da Vinci Si system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) allows a simultaneous display of the operative field and transvaginal ultrasound images. Additionally, the vaginal ultrasound probe assisted in the manipulation of the uterus to improve visualization without placing excessive pressure on the gravid uterus. Ultrasound guidance improves needle placement accuracy and reduces potential for injuries.
Phosphorylation of platelet Actin Binding Protein protects against proteolysis by calcium dependent sulfhydryl protease

When Actin Binding Protein (ABP) isolated from human blood platelets is phosphorylated in vitro with a cyclic AMP dependent kinase it becomes resistant to proteolysis by the Calcium Dependent Sulfhydryl Protease (CDSP). This protection against proteolytic cleavage is specific for CDSP since phosphorylation of ABP does not protect against proteolysis by trypsin, papain and thermolysin. Thus, there appears to be a distinct phosphorylation site on the ABP molecule which is essential for regulating the initial proteolytic degradation of ABP by CDSP.
Linac coherent light source (LCLS) at 2-4 nm using the SLAC linac

We describe the possible use of the SLAC linac to drive a unique, powerful, short wavelength Linac Coherent Light Source. Using the FEL principle, lasing is achieved in a single pass of a high peak current electron beam through a long undulator by self-amplified-spontaneous- emission (SASE). The main components are a high-brightness electron RF gun with a photocathode, two electron bunch length compressors, the existing SLAC linac, beam diagnostics, and a long undulator combined with a FODO quadrupole focusing system. The RF gun, to be installed about 1 km from the end of the SLAC linac, would produce a single bunch of 6 X 109 electrons with an invariant emittance of about 3 mm-mrad and a bunch length of about 500 micrometers . That bunch is then accelerated to 100 MeV and compressed to a length of about 200 micrometers . The main SLAC linac accelerates the bunch to 2 GeV where a second bunch compressor reduces the length to 30 - 40 micrometers and produces a peak current of 2 - 3 kA. The bunch is then accelerated to 7 - 8 GeV and transported to a 50 - 70 m long undulator. Using electrons below 8 GeV, the undulator could operate at wavelengths down to 2 nm, producing about 10 GW peak power in sub-ps light pulses.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Understanding and management of acquired apraxia of speech: Contribution of the Department of Veterans Affairs

Background: Acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) is a neurogenic disorder involving the ability to plan and/or program speech production. Our understanding of the characteristics, nature, and treatment of AOS has been in a continual state of evolution. Significant inroads have been made concerning our knowledge of AOS and its management and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has played a substantial role in adding to that knowledge base. Aims: The Department of Veterans Affairs has been a long‐standing source of support for research involving neurogenic speech and language disorders. The purpose of this article is to highlight the contributions made by the DVA and its investigators to our understanding and treatment of AOS. Methods & Procedures: Searches of electronic databases were conducted to identify DVA authors of AOS research reports. Additionally, records of DVA, Rehabilitation Research and Development grant funding were reviewed to determine DVA investigators who had conducted research pertinent...
Direct foamed and nano-catalyst impregnated solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathodes

Abstract A binder system containing polyurethane precursors was used to in situ foam (direct foam) a (La0.6Sr0.4)0.98 (Co0.2 Fe0.8)O3−δ (LSCF) cathode composition upon a yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte coated with a porous ∼10 μm thick cathode active layer. The YSZ electrolyte was ∼110 μm in thickness, and a full cell was created by application of a Ni/(Ce0.9Gd0.1)O2cermetas the baseline anode. Cells possessing the foamed LSCF cathode were compared to cells constructed via standard methods in terms of resultant microstructure, electrochemical performance, and introceptive character. The foamed cathode tended to possess a high level of tortuous porosity which was ellipsoidal and interconnected in character. Both the standard and foamed cathode structures were subjected to an infiltration process, and the resultant microstructure was examined. The impregnation efficiency of the foamed cathode was at least ∼10% greater per deposition than that of an unfoamed porous LSCF cathode. The SOFC with the Pt nano-catalyst impregnated foamed cathode demonstrated a maximum power density of 593 mW/cm2 utilizing wet H2 fuel, which is 52% higher than a SOFC with the baseline Pt-impregnated LSCF cathode (∼390 mW/cm2) at 800 °C. The cathode compositional and microstructural alterations obtainable by foaming led to the elevated power performance, which was shown to be quite high relative to standard SOFCs with a thick YSZ electrolyte.
Directionally drilled horizontal wells offer cost savings and technical advantages over alternative soil and groundwater remediation systems

Directionally drilled horizontal wells offer the opportunity for significant cost savings and technical advantages over alternative trenched well and vertical well soil and groundwater remediation systems in many cases. The magnitude of the cost savings is a function of the remediation technology deployed and the values placed on the reduction of site impacts, dramatic reduction in the time required to achieve site remediation goals and requirements, the ability of horizontal well remediation to easily treat normally recalcitrant contaminants such as MTBE, and the ability to drill under paved areas, operating plants, residential areas, landfills, lagoons, waterways, ponds, basins, and other areas that are normally difficult or impossible to access with conventional drilling or trenching methods. In addition to improvements in site access capabilities, horizontal wells have been found capable of addressing contaminants that vertical wells do not readily treat, even with the same remediation technology deployed, especially if air-based remediation technologies are deployed. With biosparging, for example, greater treatment capabilities of horizontal wells over vertical wells are attributed to greater oxygen flux over a broader area, a larger treatment zone, and extremely prolonged residence of groundwater contaminants in the aerobic treatment area, typically months or years. This article describes the use of directionally drilled horizontal wells for application of a variety of treatment technologies and includes costs of various options with a detailed comparison of biosparging options. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Constant-potential pulse polarographic detection in flow-injection analysis without deaeration of solvent or sample

Abstract A constat-potential pulse waveform is applicable for the polacographic analysis of buffered solutions (pH ⩽= 7) of cathodically active metal ions without voltammetric interference from dissolved oxygen. The technique is demonstrated at a dropping mercury electrode for detection of lead(II) and cadmium(II) in a conventional polarographic Cell (ca. 75 ml) as well as for small samples (2 ml) in a flow-injection system. The flow-injection polarographic technique is recommended for higher sample throughout than conventional polagraphy and is demonstrated for an electroless copper plating solution containing about 1.5 × 10 –2 M copper(II).
A Flexible Item to Screen for Depression in Inner-City Minorities During Palliative Care Symptom Assessment

Objective There is inconsistent evidence for the validity of a single item to screen depression. In inner-city minority populations, the "yes/no" forced-response option may encourage bias, especially in elders and men, who view depression as stigmatizing or the healthcare system as untrustworthy. In contrast, an open-choice format with a category for ambivalent and missing responses could be acceptable if administered during the legitimized context of a physical symptom assessment. Method Retrospective data were analyzed from 146 black and Latino inner-city patients receiving palliative care for various physical conditions. Bivariate analyses and ordinal regressions are based on the most recent comprehensive patient assessment conducted by a black female nurse and a bilingual Latina social worker. Results The depression item ( no, unknown, yes ) predicts pain and symptom attitude, which is more "hopeful" in older men with unknown depression status than in younger and older women with unknown depression status or no depression. Conclusions The more "hopeful" pain and symptom attitudes by older men in the unknown category for depression suggest that depression, apathy, and resignation in older minority men may be hidden from clinicians in the absence of the open-choice depression item.
Spin Stability of a Satellite Equipped with Four Booms

A discrete-element model is used to study the stability of simple spinning motions of a spacecraft consisting of a rigid body and four radial, elastic booms. The underlying theoretical basis is a method of stability analysis described previously. This work is intended to serve the two-fold purpose of showing how the method can be employed to deal with spacecraft containing elastic bodies and of giving specific results for a class of spacecraft of practical interest.
Administrative Discretion Can We Move Beyond Cider House Rules

The authors use a novel, The Cider House Rules, as a framework to examine legitimate administrative action when execution of a law will result in harm. Four political values that have informed administrative dissent are reviewed: publicity, utility, democracy, and liberty. The authors identify questions to serve as guidelines for front-line administrators when deciding to exercise discretion in opposition to a political mandate. The questions offer checkpoints for considering whether administrative action in opposition to mandate is ethical. The authors extend the logic of the new public service by arguing that administrators are responsible for protecting liberty because liberty is constitutionally fundamental and particularly at risk in the case of citizens peripheral to political processes. The authors argue that administrative discretion in opposition to mandate requiring secrecy or misrepresentation may be exercised under particular circumstances, for the protection of individual liberty, given its elevated status among the regime values.
Two quantitative real-time PCR assays for the detection of penaeid shrimp and blue crab, crustacean shellfish allergens.

Food allergen detection methods must be able to specifically detect minute quantities of an allergenic food in a complex food matrix. One technique that can be used is real-time PCR. For the work described here, real-time PCR assays were developed to detect penaeid shrimp and blue crab, crustacean shellfish allergens. The method was tested using shrimp meat and crab meat spiked into several types of foods, including canned soups, deli foods, meat, seafood, and prepared seafood products. Foods were spiked with either shrimp or crab at levels ranging from 0.1 to 106 parts per million (ppm) and analyzed either raw or cooked by a variety of methods. Real-time PCR data were used to generate linear standard curves, and assays were evaluated with respect to linear range and reaction efficiency. Results indicate that both assays performed well in a variety of food types. High reaction efficiencies were achieved across a linear range of 6–8 orders of magnitude. Limits of detection were generally between 0.1 and 1 ...
Morphology and kinematics of feeding in hagfish: possible functional advantages of jaws.

SUMMARY As in gnathostomes, the hagfish feeding apparatus includes skeletal, dental and muscular components. In the present study, we examined feeding morphology and kinematics in two hagfish species, Eptatretus stoutii and Myxine glutinosa , representing the two major hagfish lineages. E. stoutii have larger dental plates, larger basal plates, and stronger clavatus muscles (the major dental plate retractor) than M. glutinosa . Despite morphological differences, kinematic profiles are similar in E. stoutii and M. glutinosa . When protracted, the dental plate unfolds and exposes keratinous teeth, which are then embedded in the prey. Once food is grasped, the dental plate is retracted into the mouth. During retraction, the clavatus muscle can generate up to 16 N of force, which exceeds the bite force of some gnathostomes of similar size. In addition to producing high forces with the feeding muscles, hagfish can evert their dental plates to 180°, exceeding the gape angles attained by virtually all gnathostomes, suggesting vertebrate jaws are not the prerequisites for muscle force generation and wide gapes. We propose that dental plate protraction and retraction can be modeled as a fixed pulley that lacks the speed amplification occurring in gnathostome jaws. Hagfish gape cycle times are approximately 1 s, and are longer than those of gnathostomes, suggesting that a functional advantage of jaws is the speed that allows gnathostomes to exploit elusive prey.
Pattern of distribution of serotonergic fibers to the thalamus of the rat

It is well established that serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) fibers, mainly originating from the dorsal and median raphe nuclei of the brainstem, distribute throughout the forebrain, most heavily to 'limbic' forebrain structures. Few reports have examined the distribution of 5-HT fibers to the thalamus and none to our knowledge using immunoprocedures for the detection of the serotonin transporter (SERT)-a very sensitive marker for 5-HT fibers. Using immunohistochemical methods for SERT, we examined the pattern of distribution of 5-HT fibers to the thalamus in the rat. We show that serotonergic fibers are heavily concentrated in midline, intralaminar and association nuclei of the thalamus, and with the exception of the lateral geniculate complex, weakly distributed to principal nuclei of thalamus. Specifically, we demonstrate that 5-HT fibers are densely concentrated in the anteroventral, anteromedial and interanteromedial nuclei of the anterior thalamus, the paraventricular, rhomboid and reuniens nuclei of the midline thalamus, the central medial and central lateral nuclei of the intralaminar thalamus, the intermediodorsal nucleus, the lateral dorsal nucleus, and the dorsal and ventral lateral geniculate nuclei and intergeniculate leaflet of the LGN complex. Less densely innervated sites include the mediodorsal, paracentral, parafascicular, lateral posterior and submedial nuclei of thalamus. Remaining regions of the thalamus, largely consisting of principal nuclei, contained few 5-HT fibers. This pattern of 5-HT innervation indicates that serotonin/ serotonergic fibers mainly affect thalamic nuclei with connections to 'non-principal' or limbic regions of the cortex (or forebrain). This suggests that serotonergic fibers to the thalamus may exert a significant influence on affective and cognitive functions, possibly complementing the actions of 5-HT fibers to other parts of the brain involved in emotional and cognitive behaviors.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the public health surveillance well-being scale

To develop and psychometrically evaluate the brief Public Health Surveillance Well-Being Scale (PHS-WB) that captures mental, physical, and social components of well-being. Using data from 5,399 HealthStyles survey respondents, we conducted bi-factor, item response theory, and differential item functioning analyses to examine the psychometric properties of a pool of 34 well-being items. Based on the statistical results and content considerations, we developed a brief 10-item well-being scale and assessed its construct validity through comparisons of demographic subgroups and correlations with measures of related constructs. Based on the bi-factor analyses, the items grouped into both an overall factor and individual domain-specific factors. The PHS-WB scale demonstrated good internal consistency (alpha = 0.87) and correlated highly with scores for the entire item pool (r = 0.94). The well-being scale scores differed as expected across demographic groups and correlated with global and domain-specific measures of similar constructs, supporting its construct validity. The 10-item PHS-WB scale demonstrates good psychometric properties, and its high correlation with the item pool suggests minimal loss of information with the use of fewer items. The brief PHS-WB allows for well-being assessment on national surveys or in other situations where a longer form may not be feasible.