cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variance Function Regression in Hierarchical Age-Period-Cohort Models: Applications to the Study of Self-Reported Health.

Two long-standing research problems of interest to sociologists are sources of variations in social inequalities and differential contributions of the temporal dimensions of age, time period, and cohort to variations in social phenomena. Recently, scholars have introduced a model called Variance Function Regression for the study of the former problem, and a model called Hierarchical Age-Period-Cohort regression has been developed for the study of the latter. This article presents an integration of these two models as a means to study the evolution of social inequalities along distinct temporal dimensions. We apply the integrated model to survey data on subjective health status. We find substantial age, period, and cohort effects, as well as gender differences, not only for the conditional mean of self-rated health (i.e., between-group disparities), but also for the variance in this mean (i.e., within-group disparities)—and it is detection of age, period, and cohort variations in the latter disparities that application of the integrated model permits. Net of effects of age and individual-level covariates, in recent decades, cohort differences in conditional means of self-rated health have been less important than period differences that cut across all cohorts. By contrast, cohort differences of variances in these conditional means have dominated period differences. In particular, post-baby boom birth cohorts show significant and increasing levels of within-group disparities. These findings illustrate how the integrated model provides a powerful framework through which to identify and study the evolution of variations in social inequalities across age, period, and cohort temporal dimensions. Accordingly, this model should be broadly applicable to the study of social inequality in many different substantive contexts.
Studies on releases of mass‐reared organophosphate resistant Amblyseius fallacis (Garm.) predatory mites in Massachusetts commercial apple orchards

The effectiveness of mass-reared and released organophosphate-resistant Amblyseius fallacis predatory mites was evaluated in providing biological control of Panonychus ulmi and Tetranychus urticae pest mites in 8 Massachusetts commercial apple orchard blocks of ca. 0.5–1 ha. Releases consisted of approx. 500 A. fallacis adults beneath every fourth tree in July of 1988 and approx. 1500 A. fallacis adults on the foliage of every fourth tree in July of 1989. All 8 blocks received petroleum oil in April (but no acaricide thereafter) and organophosphate insecticide until early June (and either 3 or no treatments of insecticide to the block interior thereafter). In no year (1988, 1989 or 1990) were P. ulmi or T. urticae mites appreciably less abundant in any sampling period in the 8 blocks where A. fallacis were released than in 4 other blocks in which no A. fallacis were released (these received oil in April and no insecticide on the block interior after early June). Possible reasons for the apparently low impact of released A. fallacis are discussed. We conclude that given present knowledge and practice, it is economically inadvisable to recommend release of organophosphate-resistant A. fallacis in Massachusetts apple orchards either for the purpose of providing biocontrol of pest mites during the year of release or of inoculating the orchard in hope of realizing sustained buildup of A. fallacis. Zusammenfassung Untersuchungen uber die Freilassung organophosphat-resistenter Raubmilben, Amblyseius fallacis (Garm.), aus Massenzuchten in Apfelplantagen in Massachusetts Es wurde die Wirksamkeit von in Massen gezuchteten und freigelassenen, organophosphat-resistenten Raubmilben, Amblyseius fallacis, untersucht mit dem Ziel einer biologischen Bekampfung der Spinnmilben Panonychus ulmi und Tetranychus urticae in 8 Apfelplantagen in Massachusetts auf Versuchsflachen von je 0,5–1 ha. Die Freilassungen bestanden aus ca. 500 A. fallacis-Adulten pro Baum, ausgesetzt am Boden im Juli 1988, sowie aus etwa 1500 A. fallacis-Adulten, ausgesetzt auf den Blattern im Juli 1989. Alle 8 Versuchsparzellen wurden im April mit Petroleumol und Anfang Juni mit einem Organophosphat-Insektizid behandelt. In keinem der 3 Versuchsjahre (1988–1990) waren Spinnmilben von P. ulmi und T. urticae in wesentlich geringerer Zahl auf den Baumen mit freigelassenen Raubmilben als auf den Baumen ohne Freilassungen vorhanden. Die moglichen Grunde fur diese Unwirksamkeit der A. fallacis-Freilassungen werden erortert. Es wird daraus abgeleitet, das es nach heutigen Erkenntnissen nicht empfehlenswert ist, organophosphat-resistente Raubmilben (A. fallacis) zur biologischen Bekampfung von Spinnmilben auf Apfelb—umen zu verwenden.
Can't Be Built

"An ultra-large-scale (ULS) system is one that is impossible to build (today) because it exceeds some critical limit of today's software engineering technology". This means that only ULS systems of the past can be built. This logical problem provides the key for how to proceed.
Insights for exascale IO APIs from building a petascale IO API

Near the dawn of the petascale era, IO libraries had reached a stability in their function and data layout with only incremental changes being incorporated. The shift in technology, particularly the scale of parallel file systems and the number of compute processes, prompted revisiting best practices for optimal IO performance. Among other efforts like PLFS, the project that led to ADIOS, the ADaptable IO System, was motivated by both the shift in technology and the historical requirement, for optimal IO performance, to change how simulations performed IO depending on the platform. To solve both issues, the ADIOS team, along with consultation with other leading IO experts, sought to build a new IO platform based on the assumptions inherent in the petascale hardware platforms. This paper helps inform the design of future IO platforms with a discussion of lessons learned as part of the process of designing and building ADIOS.
The dead donor rule: true by definition.

(2003). The Dead Donor Rule: True by Definition. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 10-11.
Use of serial CT imaging for the quality assurance of MammoSite therapy.

Abstract Purpose As experience with the MammoSite device for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) has increased, more centers are starting to use three-dimensional (3D) treatment planning to generate plans with multiple nonequally weighted dwell positions. This report presents the use of serial computed tomography (CT) imaging, in addition to planar or ultrasound imaging, for the quality assurance of an APBI treatment using the elliptical MammoSite. Methods and Materials CT images of a patient implanted with a 4 cm × 6 cm elliptical MammoSite balloon were acquired. A treatment plan using multiple, nonequally weighted dwells was generated and delivered on Day 1 of a 10-fraction, twice-daily treatment. Before morning treatments on Days 2–5, the patient was reimaged on CT. Treatment plans on repeat CTs were generated two ways: using the decay-corrected plan from Day 1 (unadapted) vs. modifying the plan to account for changes in implant geometry (adapted). Adapted and unadapted plans on repeat CTs were compared with one another, and to the Day 1 plan. Results The use of unadapted plans led to increased doses to normal tissues, particularly the skin. Adaptive planning on the repeat CTs was effective for maintaining acceptable dosimetry throughout treatment. Conclusions Serial CT imaging was shown to provide a useful tool for the quality assurance of an elliptical balloon implant during the course of treatment. Serial CT imaging, as opposed to planar or ultrasound imaging, was necessary to evaluate skin dose and to facilitate adaptation of the treatment plan to satisfy limits for skin dose.
A novel metabolite from the hybrid soft coral Sinularia maxima × Sinularia polydactyla : a biosynthetically mixed skeleton linking cembrane and africanane terpenoids

Abstract A novel terpenoid, polymaxenolide, has been isolated from the hybrid soft coral Sinularia maxima × Sinularia polydactyla. The structure and stereochemistry were determined using spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction analysis. This terpenoid with a biosynthetically mixed skeleton is characterized by a C,C-linkage between a cembrane-type diterpene and an africanane-type sesquiterpene. A possible biogenesis is proposed.
Ifosfamide neuropsychiatric toxicity in patients with cancer

Ifosfamide is a chemotherapy agent commonly used in the treatment of several solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Common ifosfamide toxicities are bone marrow suppression, alopecia, nausea and vomiting. Less common, but striking, are the rare but dramatic neuropsychiatric toxicities with discrete neurological symptoms and delirium. We report here a case of ifosfamide neuropsychiatric toxicity which presented with an isolated psychotic disorder with delusions, and was successfully treated with methylene blue. Current literature on treatment and prophylaxis of this clinically challenging chemotherapy-induced complication is presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Communication and Synchronization Primitives for Distributed Programs

A distributed program is a collection of several processes which execute concurrently, possibly in different nodes of a distributed system, and which cooperate with each other to realize a common goal. In this paper, we present a design of communication and synchronization primitives for distributed programs. The primitives are designed such that they can be provided by a kernel of a distributed operating system. An important feature of the design is that the configuration of a process, i.e., identities of processes with which the process communicates, is specified separately from the computation performed by the process. This permits easy configuration and reconfiguration of processes. We identify different kinds of communication failures, and provide distinct mechanisms for handling them. The communication primitives are not atomic actions. To enable the construction of atomic actions, two new program components, atomic agent and manager are introduced. These are devoid of policy decisions regarding concurrency control and atomic commitment. We introduce the notion of conflicts relation using which a designer can construct either an optimistic or a pessimistic concurrency control scheme. The design also incorporates primitives for constructing nested atomic actions.
Terrorism in Peru.

Two major domestic terrorist groups have plagued Peru over the past 20 years, the Sendero Luminoso or "Shining Path" (SL) and the Revolutionary Movement Tupac Amaru (MRTA). On 28 August 2003, the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission reported that an estimated 69,280 persons were killed in the internal conflict in Peru from 1980 to 2000. Most of the victims were farmers (56%), most attacks occurred in rural settings (79%), and the SL was responsible for most of the deaths (54%). Aggressive anti-terrorism efforts by police and military during this period, often at the expense of basic human rights, also contributed to this large burden of terrorism on Peru. During the 1990s, terrorist attacks in Peru had spread to its urban areas. On 17 December 1996, 22 members of MRTA took over the Japanese ambassador's residence in Lima, holding 72 hostages until the grounds were stormed by Peruvian special forces on 23 April 1997. Until recently, emergency planning and preparedness for terrorism-related events in Peru were largely underdeveloped. In the last five years, Peru has taken two key steps towards developing a mature emergency response system, with the establishment of the country's first emergency medicine residency training program and the construction of the first dedicated trauma center in Lima.
Placards and hazard alerts: Adding visual communication to an environmental communication class

Placards, posters, and labels are required by law and used throughout industry to warn, motivate, and inform of potential hazards. Students in a professional communication course servicing RIT's Environmental Management, Health and Safety program were introduced to the design and use of these visual displays, considering their role, use, and placement. Students analyzed the impact and effectiveness of a variety of placards, including aspects of their visual design (typography, size, use of color, placement, balance, iconic significance, etc.), the intended audiences, and the messages the signage is meant to transmit. This paper examines the objectives of these modules, the methods used in the classroom, and their evaluation. It also describes how these visual elements are integrated with the traditional written and oral delivery aspects of a professional communication course.
Determining external contention delay due to job interactions in a 2-D mesh wormhole routed multicomputer

Job interactions may cause performance degradations in massively parallel processors (MPP) that serve multiple independent jobs simultaneously. To provide insight for developing a processor allocation model of a MPP, we predict the average external contention delay due to job interactions in a 2-D mesh wormhole-routed multicomputer. Based on a proposed heterogeneous two-path contention model, we provide expressions to predict the average external contention delay, which is verified by simulation. We describe how the external contention delay between the jobs increases as the internal contention delay within a job increases. >
Anxiety disorders and the onset of depression among adults in the community.

Objective. To determine the association between anxiety disorders, panic attack and the risk of major depression among adults in the community.Method. Data were drawn from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program survey waves 1 (N = 20291) and 2 (N = 15849). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk of incident major depression at 12-month follow-up (wave 2) associated with each anxiety disorder and panic attacks assessed at wave 1, adjusting for differences in sociodemographic characteristics, and then controlling simultaneously for all anxiety disorders, and other psychiatric co-morbidity.Results. Specific phobia (OR = 1.7 (1.6, 1.8)), agoraphobia (OR = 2.3 (2.2, 2.5)), obsessive–compulsive disorder (OR = 5.4 (5.0, 5.8)) and panic attack (OR = 1.9 (1.8, 2.1)) each made an independent contribution to the risk of major depression, which persisted after adjusting simultaneously for sociodemographic differences and other psychiatric co-morbidity. Conclusions. Each anxiety disorder and panic attacks appear to confer an independent risk for the onset of major depression within 12-months among adults in the community. Understanding the key role played by anxiety in depression onset is needed for prevention strategies.
Valacyclovir for the prevention of recurrent herpes simplex virus eye disease after excimer laser photokeratectomy.

Abstract PURPOSE: A variety of factors have been reported as inducing the reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus (HSV), among them stress, trauma, and UV radiation. Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a surgical procedure utilizing a 193 nm ultraviolet light to alter the curvature of the cornea and hence correct vision. Reactivation of ocular herpes simplex keratitis following such excimer laser PRK has been reported. All published cases of HSV reactivation following excimer laser treatment in humans are reviewed. The present study evaluates whether stress, trauma of the corneal de-epithelialization prior to the laser, or the excimer laser treatment itself to the stromal bed induces this ocular reactivation of the latent HSV, and whether a systemic antiviral agent, valacyclovir, would prevent such laser PRK-induced reactivation of the HSV. METHODS: Forty-three normal 1.5- to 2.5-kg New Zealand white rabbits were infected on the surface of the cornea with HSV-1, strain RE. The animals were monitored until resolution, and then all animals were divided into 5 treatment groups: (1) de-epithelialization only, intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline for 14 days; (2) de-epithelialization plus laser, i.p. saline for 14 days; (3) de-epithelialization plus laser, valacyclovir 50 mg/kg per day i.p. for 14 days; (4) de-epithelialization plus laser, valacyclovir 100 mg/kg per day i.p. for 14 days; (5) de-epithelialization plus laser, valacyclovir 150 mg/kg per day i.p. for 14 days. Animals were evaluated in a masked fashion by clinical examination biweekly and viral cultures biweekly through day 28. RESULTS: The reactivation rates were as follows: group 1, 0%; group 2, 67%; group 3, 50%; group 4, 17%; and group 5, 0%. Viral titers were negative in animals that had no reactivation but persistently positive in those that had reactivation (day 6 through day 28). CONCLUSIONS: Excimer laser (193 nm) treatment can trigger reactivation of ocular herpes disease (67%) and viral shedding in the latently infected rabbit. De-epithelialization alone is not sufficient to cause reactivation or viral shedding. Prophylaxis with intraperitoneal valacyclovir decreases the recurrence rate in a dose-response fashion. At 150 mg/kg per day, there are no recurrences. The presence of persistent viral shedding in reactivated animals may correlate with cases of late HSV recurrence reported in humans undergoing excimer treatment. The data suggest that humans undergoing excimer laser procedures for correction of refractive errors or treatment of corneal scars with a history of herpetic keratitis are at increased risk for reactivation. Such patients, however, may appropriately be considered for prophylactic systemic antiviral medication at the time of the laser procedure in order to decrease the possibility of recurrence.
Quantum limits to dynamical evolution

We establish the minimum time it takes for an initial state of mean energy E and energy spread $\ensuremath{\Delta}E$ to move from its initial configuration by a predetermined amount. Distances in Hilbert space are estimated by the fidelity between the initial and final states. In this context, we study the role of entanglement among subsystems in speeding up the dynamics of a composite system.
Factors Associated With Paranoid Symptoms in a Community Sample of Older Adults

Symptoms of paranoia were found in 9.5% of a community sample of older adults in North Carolina. In cross-sectional analyses, these symptoms were associated most strongly with black race, lower income and education, less exercise, and more depressive symptoms. In longitudinal analysis, paranoid symptoms three years following initial interview were predicted by baseline paranoid symptoms, education and depressive symptoms at the initial interview. In blacks, paranoid symptoms may represent an appropriate response to a hostile environment rather than a psychopathic trait.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent activation of trypsinogen modulates the severity of acute pancreatitis

Intra-acinar cell activation of digestive enzyme zymogens including trypsinogen is generally believed to be an early and critical event in acute pancreatitis. We have found that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin can reduce the intrapancreatic activation of trypsinogen that occurs during two dissimilar experimental models of rodent acute pancreatitis, secretagogue- and duct injection-induced pancreatitis. The severity of both models was also reduced by wortmannin administration. In contrast, the NF-κB activation that occurs during the early stages of secretagogue-induced pancreatitis is not altered by administration of wortmannin. Ex vivo, caerulein-induced trypsinogen activation is inhibited by wortmannin and LY294002. However, the cytoskeletal changes induced by caerulein were not affected by wortmannin. Concentrations of caerulein that induced ex vivo trypsinogen activation do not significantly increase phosphatidylinositol-3,4-bisphosphate or phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate levels or induce phosphorylation of Akt/PKB, suggesting that class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases are not involved. The concentration of wortmannin that inhibits trypsinogen activation causes a 75% decrease in phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, which is implicated in vesicle trafficking and fusion. We conclude that a wortmannin-inhibitable phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is necessary for intrapancreatic activation of trypsinogen and regulating the severity of acute pancreatitis. Our observations suggest that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibition might be of benefit in preventing acute pancreatitis.
Leukocyte-endothelial interactions in environmental hypoxia

Hypoxia induced by reducing inspired Po2 (PIo2) to 70 Torr, promotes a rapid microvascular response characterized by increased leukocyte rolling and adherence to the venular endothelium, leukocyte emigration to the perivascular space and increased vascular permeability. This appears to be a generalized response since it is observed in venules of the mesentery, cremaster muscle and pial microcirculations. After three weeks of acclimatization to hypoxia (barometric pressure 380 Torr, PIo2 70 Torr), the initial microvascular response resolves and exposure to even lower PIo2 (50 Torr) fails to elicit a microvascular response. The initial response is accompanied by a reversible increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is blocked by antioxidants and by interventions that increase the tissue levels of nitric oxide (NO). In contrast to ischemia/reperfusion, ROS levels increase during hypoxia and return towards pre-hypoxic values after return to normoxia. Acclimatization involves upregulation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS): inhibition of iNOS using two different antagonists results in increased leukocyte-endothelial interactions and increased ROS generation. The results suggest that hypoxia initially leads to an alteration of the ROS/NO balance which is eventually restored during the acclimatization process. This phenomenon may have relevance to the microcirculatory alterations associated with hypoxic exposure, including acute mountain sickness and high altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema.
English Language Learners with Special Needs

This article discusses issues associated with placement and services for English language learners in special education systems and provides recommendations for improved assessment practices and service provisions. These issues represent a range of factors, including inappropriate assessment and psychometric issues, overrepresentation in special education programs, ambiguities in special education categorization, questionable pre-referral intervention practices, inadequate practitioner preparation related to language and cultural factors, and ineffective instructional practices both within and outside of the special education system. Possible solutions discussed include increased attention to culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches, response to intervention practices, and improved teacher qualifications and education.
The Effects of Childhood Malnutrition on DNA Methylation in Adulthood

Insults during critical periods of development could result in epigenetic changes affecting health and behavioral outcomes throughout the lifespan. To address the epigenetic effects of childhood ma...
Evolution of progestins. Focus on the novel progestin drospirenone.

Combination of oral contraceptives have changed considerably since they were introduced in 1960. Although ethinyl estradiol has been the primary estrogen in combination oral contraceptives for years a number of progestogenic agents have been developed. All of the progestins currently used in combination oral contraceptives are derived from 19-nortestosterone. The exception is a new progestin derived from 17 alpha-spirolactone--drospirenone. As compared with that of other progestins used in combination oral contraceptives drospirenone pharmacology more closely resembles that pharmacology endogenous progesterone. Its antiandrogenic and antimineralocorticoid activities result in special benefits--e.g. improvement in androgen-related disorders (such as acne and hirsutism) and avoidance of estrogen-related fluid retention. (authors)
One Story Map Does Not Fit All: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Children's Written Story Retellings

AbstractNarrative is acknowledged to be a primary means by which children develop the voice of their own culture. In recent years, and as a result of the increased interest in story grammar research, retellings have also become a useful tool for assessing children's understanding of stories and teaching comprehension. The assumption across most previous studies is that narrative, especially folktales, provides the same story-schema support, no matter what the culture of the child may be. This cross-cultural study examines the relative effects of literacy and culture on the narrative form of written story retellings. Empirical findings confirm the hypothesis that two disparate populations, otherwise equated for levels of literacy, western-style schooling, and cognitive development, differ significantly in the structural components of their written story retellings. The story grammar of Mandler and Johnson (1977) was evaluated for discrimina-tory power. Categorizations of specific components of the story grammar showed qualitative differences from culture to culture. Results support culture-specific theories of story schema. (Sociolinguistics, Education)
Jean de Mairet

The third and fourth decades of. the seventeenth century, or more strictly speaking the years from 1625 to 1637, form a rather important period in the history of French literature. This is the time when the great Corneille makes his appearance and the “Academie francaise” is established. For this reason it is all the more striking that there exists, apparently, a great uncertainty concerning a number of the precursors and contemporaries of Corneille, not only with regard to chronology, but also as to their true merits. One of the poets of that time, about whom opinions seem to be divided as to his literary position and undecided as to the chronology, is Jean de Mairet. of Besancon, who lived from 1604 to 1684. The chief works which Mairet wrote, are in chronological order as follows: Chryseide et Arimand, a tragi-comedy; Sylvie, a pastoral; Silvanire, also a pastoral, or as Mairet himself terms it, a tragicomedie pastorale; Due d'Ossonne, a comedy; Virginie, a tragi-comedy; and the tragedies: Sophonisbe, Marc Antoine Soliman, and Roland furieux.
A Report from the Higher Education Review Board (HERB): Assessment of Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes in Food Science.

For the past 15 years, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has mandated assessment of undergraduate student learning outcomes as the basis for approving food science (FS) programs. No longer is a check-off course system sufficient to be an IFT-approved program. The 4 steps to gaining IFT approval include developing learning outcomes for all required FS courses, developing outcomes for the program as a whole, assessing student learning through a comprehensive series of assessment tools, and developing and reporting a plan to use the assessment data collected for continuous program improvement. This article reviews these steps in some detail, providing guidance on possible approaches that may be used. In the end, the aim of the IFT requirements is to improve student learning in FS to advance the field.
An Enhanced Augmented Electric-Field Integral Equation Formulation for Dielectric Objects

A full-wave surface integral equation (SIE) method based on the augmented electric-field integral equation (A-EFIE) for dielectric objects with low-frequency stability is presented in this paper. Motivated by the A-EFIE formulation for perfect electric conductor (PEC), the internal and external problems are both augmented with the current continuity equation and renormalized to eliminate the low-frequency breakdown. Although the magnetic-field integral equation operator $\mathcal{K}$ is free of low-frequency breakdown, its matrix form is ill-conditioned and unsolvable if the traditional Rao–Wilton–Glisson (RWG) basis function is used as the testing and basis functions. As a remedy, the Buffa–Christiansen (BC) basis function is introduced to alleviate this testing issue. After this treatment, the matrix form of operator $\mathcal{K}$ is well conditioned. To solve problems with a large number of unknowns, a preconditioning scheme is introduced to accelerate the convergence and the mixed-form fast multipole algorithm (FMA) is adopted to accelerate the matrix vector product.
Preparation and Characterization of Sic From Alkoxide-Derived Polymeric Precursors

Crystalline SiC was prepared by carbothermic reduction of alkoxide-derived polymeric precursors under a flow of argon at 1400–1600°C. The pyrolysis products from the precursors with a molecular source of carbon, i.e., (R1)x(R2)ySiO1.5(Rl=phenyl; R2=propyl, vinyl), showed different morphologies from those of the precursors derived from TEOS and a polymeric source of carbon (polyfurfuryl alcohol). Furthermore, the pyrolysis chemistry of theses precursors and the microstructure of their corresponding pyrolysis products were studied by means of FTIR, TGA, XRD, SEM, BET, elemental analyses, etc.
Principles of Antimicrobial Therapy in Older Adults

Antibiotic use is common in older adults, and much of it is deemed unnecessary. Complications of antibiotic use may occur as a consequence of changes in age-related physiology and dosing with resulting drug toxicity and secondary infection. Knowing when it is appropriate to initiate antibiotics may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and prevent adverse drug events. Careful attention to antibiotic selection, dosing adjustments, and drug-drug interactions may also help prevent antibiotic-related adverse events.
Spatial Mapping in the Rat Olfactory Bulb by Odor and Direct Electrical Stimulation

ObjectivesTo directly measure the spatial mapping in the olfactory bulb by odor presentation and by direct electrical stimulation.Study DesignExperimental (animal).SettingUniversity research laboratory.Subjects and MethodsOdor (n = 8) and electrical stimulation (n = 4) of the olfactory bulb in rats were used to demonstrate the spatial mapping of neural responses in the olfactory bulb. Both multiunit responses to odor stimulation and evoked potential responses to localized electrical stimulation were measured in different regions of the olfactory bulb.ResultsResponses that were recorded simultaneously from an array of 32 electrodes positioned at different locations within the olfactory bulb were mapped. Results show different spatial patterns of neural activity for different odors (odor maps). Direct stimulation of the olfactory bulb with electrical current pulses from electrodes positioned at different locations was also effective in generating spatial patterns of neural activity.ConclusionThese data sugg...
Hemodynamics of Pelvic Nerve Induced Erection in a Canine Model. I. Pressure and Flow

Using a previously developed canine model of erection, we measured pudendal artery and venous flow as well as pressure in the corpora cavernosa, glans penis, pudendal artery and vein. Penile erection was induced by pelvic nerve stimulation. Arterial flow increased by a factor of 2.5 within two seconds after the onset of stimulation. This was followed by a similar increase in venous flow about one second later. Spongiosal pressure began to rise about six seconds after nerve stimulation and always remained below cavernosal pressure. Cavernosal pressure began to rise after a latency of about 11 seconds. This latency period is accounted for by relaxation of the smooth muscle of the cavernosal sinusoids. Spongiosal pressure is maintained primarily by a high flow state through the glans penis while cavernosal pressure depends on a veno-occlusive mechanism.
A rule-based expert system for laboratory diagnosis of hemoglobin disorders

Objective To illustrate the utility of a rule-based expert system in diagnosing hemoglobin disorders. Design A rule-based expert system was developed for diagnosing hemoglobin disorders. This expert system runs on IBM-compatible personal computers and uses a backward-chaining search strategy to draw conclusions. Laboratory data (ie, results of hemoglobin electrophoresis, quantitative measurements of hemoglobin F and hemoglobin A2 levels, and result of a sickle cell screen) are processed by the system using defined rules to obtain a set of differential diagnoses. Additional data, such as hematologic parameters, ethnicity of the patient, and the presence or absence of certain clinical signs and symptoms, aid in making a final diagnosis. The rules in the current version of this expert system include diagnostic criteria for 71 hemoglobin disorders. Setting Regional academic medical center. Patients We tested the system by using 58 survey sample cases offered by the College of American Pathologists during the period of January 1989 through December 1994. Main outcome measure The established diagnosis for a given case must be included in the list of differential diagnoses suggested by the expert system. Results The expert system included the actual diagnosis as one of the top four differential diagnoses in 90% of the cases, whereas all the laboratories participating in the survey included it in 84% (mean) of the cases. Conclusion We propose that this user-friendly expert system is a potential tool for computer-assisted diagnosis of hemoglobin disorders.
Predicting blood transfusion using automated analysis of pulse oximetry signals and laboratory values.

BACKGROUNDIdentification of hemorrhaging trauma patients and prediction of blood transfusion needs in near real time will expedite care of the critically injured. We hypothesized that automated analysis of pulse oximetry signals in combination with laboratory values and vital signs obtained at the t
Ischemic Stroke in the Young

This chapter focuses on the causes of ischemic stroke in the young and the evaluation of these patients. While some causes of stroke in the young are similar to causes of stroke in the elderly, many more diseases need to be considered in the differential diagnosis when considering the cause of stroke in the young. Data from several studies indicate that 21–48% of strokes in the young are caused by atherosclerotic large artery occlusive disease, 10–33% by nonatherosclerotic large artery occlusive disease, 13–35% by cardioembolism, 3–18% by penetrating artery disease, 8–15% by prothrombotic states, and 4–15% by miscellaneous causes. Cryptogenic stroke comprises 7–40% of cases. Although many heterogeneous disorders need to be considered when attempting to establish the cause of stroke in the young, a detailed history and bedside examination are useful for narrowing the diagnostic possibilities. Atherosclerotic large artery occlusive disease should be strongly considered in patients with atherosclerotic risk factors, coronary or peripheral vascular disease, a family history of premature atherosclerosis, a history of multiple, stereotypical TIAs, and if a carotid bruit is heard. Prominent facial pain preceding or accompanying the stroke, head, or neck trauma preceding the stroke, and the presence of an ipsilateral Horner's syndrome should suggest carotid dissection.
Ultrafast dynamics in the insulator-to-metal phase transition of vanadium dioxide measured by attosecond transient absorption spectrosopy

The photoinduced insulator-to-metal phase transition in vanadium dioxide is experimentally investigated by attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Ultrafast changes cover a broad ~20-eV-wide spectral range, emphasizing core spectroscopic access and the importance of electron correlation effects.
A Game of Quarters: The Sad Playing Field of the Three Compson Brothers in William Faulkner’sThe Sound and the Fury

It is, of course, human nature to discern patterns and to make meanings, and this compunction appears to grow particularly strong when exploring works that do not immediately or neatly make sense. ...
Strain accumulation from 1964 to 1977 near the epicentral zone of the 1976-1977 earthquake swarm southeast of Palmdale, California

abstract Strain accumulation in a 5 by 7 km 10-station network that spans the San Andreas fault 20 km southeast of Palmdale, California has been calculated by comparing a 1964 triangulation survey with a 1977 trilateration survey. The network is located within the epicentral area of the anomalous 1976-1977 earthquake activity reported by McNally and Kanamori (1977). The comparison indicates shear strain accumulation of γ 1 = 10.8 ± 1.8 ppm and γ 2 = 5.1 ± 1.8 ppm for the 13-year period, where γ 1 = e 11 - e 22 and γ 2 = 2e 12 and e ij are the tensor strain components in a coordinate system with the 1-axis directed to the east and the 2-axis to the north. A simple dislocation model of the 1971 San Fernando earthquake predicts coseismic shear strains γ 1 = 2.8 ppm and γ 2 = 1.7 ppm in the area of the network. The 1964-1977 shear strains corrected for the San Fernando earthquake and translated into yearly rates are γ ˙ 1 = 0.60 ± 0.14 ppm/yr and γ ˙ 2 = 0.26 ± 0.14 ppm/yr with the direction of maximum extension N75°E ± 6°. Shear strain rates γ ˙ 1 = 0.38 ± 0.06 ppm/yr and γ ˙ 2 ° = 0.20 ± 0.06 ppm/yr with the direction of maximum extension N80°E ± 7° in the period August 1971 to July 1977 have been reported for the Palmdale network located 30 km northeast along the San Andreas fault. Corrected for the effects of the 1971 San Fernando earthquake, the 1964-1977 shear strain rates for the network near the 1976-1977 earthquake swarm are not significantly higher than and agree in orientation with those for the Palmdale network in the 1971-1977 period. Thus no strain event of magnitude greater than a few parts per million has been associated with the anomalous earthquake activity.
Entry Barriers and Nonprofit Founding Rates: An Examination of the Milwaukee Voucher School Population

In this study we examine how formal barriers to entry correlate with levels and changes in the founding rate of new voucher schools in Milwaukee. Drawing from a unique dataset covering founding attempts and successful foundlings of voucher schools since the early 1990s we show how formal institutions regulating entrepreneurial efforts have an impact on both attempts and success rates. For example, our analysis indicates that the removal of the non-sectarian school requirement led to an increase in entrepreneurial attempts. Likewise, we find that erecting of institutional barriers in the form of a formal third party approval process, proved to have an impactful effect on the founding success rate of new voucher schools. Our research also illuminate how a majority of entrepreneurial attempts, about 70 percent in the case of the new voucher schools in Milwaukee, fail somewhere between the stage of entrepreneur intent and actual establishment of the organization.
Utility of Arterial Spin Labeling MRI in Pediatric Neuroimaging: A Pictorial Essay

With advances in magnetic field strength, multichannel coils and parallel imaging, arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now widely available for clinical use. There is a growing body of literature on the utility of ASL in a variety of pediatric diseases that feature alterations in blood flow as part of the pathophysiologic process. ASL can help discriminate high-grade tumors from low-grade tumors, and is especially useful to identify characteristic hyperperfusion seen in hemangioblastoma and choroid plexus tumors. In moyamoya, ASL coupled with acetazolamide challenge provides quantitative cerebral blow flow data that can inform decisions regarding revascularization surgery. In both migraine headaches and hypoxic ischemic injury (HII), there is early hypoperfusion on ASL imaging followed by hyperperfusion. Global or medial occipital hyperperfusion in the setting of HII is a poor prognostic factor. ASL can identify hypoperfusion in seizure foci, but is more useful for seizure localization with hyperperfusion in the acute setting. ASL perfusion imaging is a useful adjunct to conventional brain MRI in children, and should be applied in a wide variety of clinical scenarios.
Polymer Semiflexibility Induces Nonuniversal Phase Transitions in Diblock Copolymers.

The order-disorder phase transition and the associated phase diagrams of semiflexible diblock copolymers are investigated using the wormlike chain model, incorporating concentration fluctuations. The free energy up to quartic order in concentration fluctuations is developed with chain-rigidity-dependent coefficients, evaluated using our exact results for the wormlike chain model, and a one-loop renormalization treatment is used to account for fluctuation effects. The chain length $N$ and the monomer aspect ratio $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ directly control the strength of immiscibility (defined by the Flory-Huggins parameter $\ensuremath{\chi}$) at the order-disorder transition and the resulting microstructures at different chemical compositions ${f}_{A}$. When monomers are infinitely thin (i.e., large aspect ratio $\ensuremath{\alpha}$), the finite chain length $N$ lowers the $\ensuremath{\chi}N$ at the phase transition. However, fluctuation effects become important when chains have a finite radius, and a decrease in the chain length $N$ elevates the $\ensuremath{\chi}N$ at the phase transition. Phase diagrams of diblock copolymers over a wide range of $N$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ are calculated based on our fluctuation theory. We find that both finite $N$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ enhance the stability of the lamellar phase above the order-disorder transition. Our results demonstrate that polymer semiflexibility plays a dramatic role in the phase behavior, even for large chain lengths (e.g., $N\ensuremath{\approx}100$).
A test of interpersonal theory of depression in youth psychiatric inpatients.

Coyne's (1976b) interpersonal theory of depression postulated that the combination of depressive symptoms and excessive reassurance-seeking leads to interpersonal problems (e.g., loneliness, devaluation). The present study is one of the first to test this model among youth, particularly a clinical sample of youth. Sixty-eight youth psychiatric inpatients (35 girls; 33 boys; mean age = 13.34 years, SD = 2.50) completed self-report measures of excessive reassurance-seeking, depressive symptoms, and interpersonal rejection. Results conformed to the hypothesis: The statistical interaction of excessive reassurance-seeking and depressive symptoms predicted interpersonal rejection, such that high-reassurance-seeking youth with depressive symptoms reported the most interpersonal rejection. Implications of the findings for interpersonal theory of depression in youngsters are discussed.
Clinical Disorders of Calcium Metabolism in Chronic Renal Failure in Children

In 1883, Lucas (1) noted the coincidence of late-onset rickets and albuminuria, but it was Fletcher (2) who first recognized the association between chronic renal failure and the development of metabolic bone disease. In 1937, Albright (3) as well as others (4) demonstrated a connection between hyperplasia of the parathyroid gland and the development of renal rickets. Finally, in 1943, Liu and Chu (5) characterized the malabsorption of calcium and “resistance” to vitamin-D therapy in chronic renal failure and proposed the term “renal osteodystrophy” for this constellation of metabolic and clinical disorders involving the bone.
CAN PREDICTIVE AGENTS PREVENT CHAOS

ABSTRACT When computational agents compete for resources by making independent decisions based upon incomplete knowledge and delayed information, their overall behavior can become chaotic and far from optimal. In the hope of eliminating this undesirable collective behavior, we investigate two plausible methods for prediction of the system's current state — technical analysis and system analysis. Technical analysts respond to the observed behavior of the system, but suffer from an inability to take their own behavior into account. System analysts, which predict system behavior based upon beliefs about other agents, can perform extremely well, but only in the unlikely event that their beliefs are extremely accurate. By combining the strengths of both methods, we obtain a successful hybrid which adapts its model of other agents in response to the observed behavior of the system.
Application of Laplace Equation-Based Modeling into Corrosion Damage Prediction for Galvanic Coupling Between a Zinc Plate and Stainless Steel Rods Under a Thin Film Electrolyte

Connections between dissimilar materials are frequently encountered in aviation and marine structures. When two types of materials are exposed to a moist atmospheric condition, there is a high poss...
THE UNKNOWN TERRITORY: NON-ANEURYSMAL, NON-ATHEROSCLEROTIC AORTIC MURAL THROMBUS - AN UNUSUAL SOURCE OF EMBOLISM

Isolated mural thrombus in a non-aneurysmal, non-atherosclerotic aorta is a rare entity. It's incidence, clinical course, prognostic implications and optimal therapy have not been well established and poses a clinical challenge. A 42-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and was found to have
A Microfluidic MEMS-Microbalance Platform With Minimized Acoustic Radiation in Liquid

In this article, the microfluidic channels that deliver liquid to a microscale thin-film piezoelectric-on-silicon (TPoS) gravimetric resonant sensor are incorporated into the backside of the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer on which the resonator is fabricated. Specifically, a microwell is embedded at the bottom of the disk -shaped TPoS resonator, while a very thin layer of parylene covering the backside of the resonator and the microwell forms an isolation layer between the liquid and the top device-layer features. In this way, the liquid is in contact with the backside of the resonator, while the device-defining trenches and the electrical connections to the resonator stay clear, thus mitigating the acoustic energy loss and undesirable feedthroughs. The impact of the parylene layer thickness on a few symmetric ( ${S}$ ) and antisymmetric ( ${A}$ ) Lamb wave modes of the resonator is experimentally studied, and the performance of such modes in the liquid is characterized by filling the microwells through a PDMS-based microfluidic channel. The parylene layer, while marginally affecting the resonator in the air, is found to substantially enhance its performance in the liquid media. Strong resonance peaks with high quality factors ( ${Q}$ ) are observed for the ${S}$ modes, among which ${Q}$ values above 400 are recorded for a specific mode named ${S}$ ( 4 , 2 ) (among the highest ever reported). This article can potentially facilitate the realization of highly stable and sensitive resonant mass sensors (i.e., microbalance) for real-time applications. Additionally, the effect of the acoustic energy radiation in the form of evanescent shear and longitudinal waves in liquid on the ${Q}$ and resonance frequency of the disk resonators is experimentally validated.
Systematic Representative Design: A Reply to Commentaries.

AbstractSystematic Representative Design (SRD), enabled by today’s technologies leverages many of the strengths of past designs into a new synthesis affording the capacity for both causal inference...
A New Rapid-Acting Antidepressant

The discovery of the strikingly rapid and robust antidepressant effects of r/s-ketamine for the treatment of antidepressant-resistant symptoms of depression has led to new insights into the biology of antidepressants and the FDA approval of its s-isomer, Esketamine (Spravato), the first mechanistically new treatment for depression in over 60 years. To view this Bench to Bedside, open or download the PDF.
Fuzzy Concepts in Human Factors/Ergonomics Research

Abstract The perspectives and potential impact of the concept of fuzziness in human factors studies are explored. It is advocated that fuzzy methodologies should be applied in this field of research to a much greater extent than has been done in the past.