cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in treated ventricular fibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Ischemic compared to non-ischemic heart disease

Abstract Background: The incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treated by first responders has declined over the past decade. Since VF OHCA occurs primarily in the setting of severe coronary artery disease, primary and secondary prevention strategies may in part account for the decline. However, such strategies may not have a similar impact on non-ischemic arrest. Methods: All Rochester Minnesota residents who presented with a VF OHCA from 1991 to 2004, treated by emergency medical services (EMS), were included in the study. Incidence rates were calculated based on the population for Rochester during the time period. Changes over time were tested using Poisson regression models. The significance of the trends was estimated according to the Mantel–Haenszel test for association, and two-tailed p -values reported. Results: The overall incidence of EMS-treated VF OHCA in Rochester during the study period was 10.6 per 100,000 (95% CI 9.1–11.8). The incidence decreased significantly ( p p p Conclusion: The incidence of VF OHCA is declining. The decline is attributable to the reduction of VF cardiac arrest with ischemic heart disease; suggesting an impact of treatment strategies targeted at coronary artery disease. The relative increasing incidence of non-ischemic VF OHCA suggests that more efforts are required to minimize mortality in this cohort population.
The Two-Photon Excitation Cross Section of 6MAP, a Fluorescent Adenine Analogue

6MAP is a fluorescent analogue of adenine that undergoes Watson−Crick base pairing and base stacking in double-stranded DNA. The one-photon absorption spectrum of 6MAP is characterized by a maximum around 330 nm with moderate quantum yield fluorescence centered at about 420 nm. To take advantage of this probe for confocal and single-molecule microscopy, it would be advantageous to be able to excite the analogue via two photons. We report the first determination of the two-photon excitation cross section and spectrum for 6MAP from 614 to 700 nm. The power dependence of the fluorescence indicates that emission results from the absorption of two photons. The one-photon and two-photon emission line shapes are identical within experimental error. A study of the concentration dependence of the fluorescence yield for one-photon excitation shows no measurable quenching up to about 5 μM. The maximum in the two-photon excitation spectrum gives a two-photon cross section, δTPE, of 3.4 ± 0.1 Goeppert−Mayer (G.M.) at ...
Use of MRI for volume estimation of tibialis posterior and plantar intrinsic foot muscles in healthy and chronic plantar fasciitis limbs

Abstract Background Due to complexity of the plantar intrinsic foot muscles, little is known about their muscle architecture in vivo. Chronic plantar fasciitis may be accompanied by muscle atrophy of plantar intrinsic foot muscles and tibialis posterior compromising the dynamic support of the foot prolonging the injury. Magnetic resonance images of the foot may be digitized to quantify muscle architecture. The first purpose of this study was to estimate in vivo the volume and distribution of healthy plantar intrinsic foot muscles. The second purpose was to determine whether chronic plantar fasciitis is accompanied by atrophy of plantar intrinsic foot muscles and tibialis posterior. Methods Magnetic resonance images were taken bilaterally in eight subjects with unilateral plantar fasciitis. Muscle perimeters were digitally outlined and muscle signal intensity thresholds were determined for each image for volume computation. Findings The mean volume of contractile tissue in healthy plantar intrinsic foot muscles was 113.3 cm3. Forefoot volumes of plantar fasciitis plantar intrinsic foot muscles were 5.2% smaller than healthy feet (P = 0.03, ES = 0.26), but rearfoot (P = 0.26, ES = 0.08) and total foot volumes (P = 0.07) were similar. No differences were observed in tibialis posterior size. Interpretations While the total volume of plantar intrinsic foot muscles was similar in healthy and plantar fasciitis feet, atrophy of the forefoot plantar intrinsic foot muscles may contribute to plantar fasciitis by destabilizing the medial longitudinal arch. These results suggest that magnetic resonance imaging measures may be useful in understanding the etiology and rehabilitation of chronic plantar fasciitis.
Cytoplasmic damage gradients in dendrites after transection lesions

Ultrastructural changes in the cytoplasm of transected dendrites have been studied with serial section electron microscopy 10 to 12 min after the lesion. Dendrites from large multipolar neurons in mouse spinal monolayer cultures were selected 4 weeks after seeding and cut with a pulsed UV laser microbeam. The data reveal cytoplasmic damage gradients which decrease in severity with distance from the lesion. The damage is expressed primarily in cytoskeletal disruption, the swelling and vacuolation of mitochondria (MC), and the swelling and vesiculation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). For a 3–4 μm diameter dendrite lesioned 150 μm from the soma and fixed 10 min after transection, the following results can be reported. (1) The number of microtubules (MT) decreases almost linearly with a slope of 40 MT/10 μm until MT completely disappear 20 μm from the lesion. (2) Neurofilaments (NF) decrease at approximately 50 NF/10 μm, with 20% of these structures still intact at or near the lesion. (3) MC show both gradual and explosive swelling in the damaged process. The onset of these two phases of MC swelling are correlated with the initial and total loss of MT respectively. (4) MT and NF densities in cut dendrites are drastically different from those in control processes and suggest a possible retrograde redistribution of these organelles. (5) Damage from external shockwaves that cause process distortion but not transection results in a less severe but nervetheless similar loss of MT and NF.
Abnormal pitch perception produced by cochlear implant stimulation.

Contemporary cochlear implants with multiple electrode stimulation can produce good speech perception but poor music perception. Hindered by the lack of a gold standard to quantify electric pitch, relatively little is known about the nature and extent of the electric pitch abnormalities and their impact on cochlear implant performance. Here we overcame this obstacle by comparing acoustic and electric pitch perception in 3 unilateral cochlear-implant subjects who had functionally usable acoustic hearing throughout the audiometric frequency range in the non-implant ear. First, to establish a baseline, we measured and found slightly impaired pure tone frequency discrimination and nearly perfect melody recognition in all 3 subjects’ acoustic ear. Second, using pure tones in the acoustic ear to match electric pitch induced by an intra-cochlear electrode, we found that the frequency-electrode function was not only 1–2 octaves lower, but also 2 times more compressed in frequency range than the normal cochlear frequency-place function. Third, we derived frequency difference limens in electric pitch and found that the equivalent electric frequency discrimination was 24 times worse than normal-hearing controls. These 3 abnormalities are likely a result of a combination of broad electric field, distant intra-cochlear electrode placement, and non-uniform spiral ganglion cell distribution and survival, all of which are inherent to the electrode-nerve interface in contemporary cochlear implants. Previous studies emphasized on the “mean” shape of the frequency-electrode function, but the present study indicates that the large “variance” of this function, reflecting poor electric pitch discriminability, is the main factor limiting contemporary cochlear implant performance.
The validity of the MSCEIT: Additional analyses and evidence.

We address concerns raised by Maul (2012) regarding the validity of the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). We respond to requests for clarifications of our model, and explai...
Pathogen-Specific Inflammatory Milieux Tune the Antigen Sensitivity of CD8+ T Cells by Enhancing T Cell Receptor Signaling

CD8(+) T cells confer host protection through T-cell-receptor (TCR)-mediated recognition of foreign antigens presented by infected cells. Thus, generation of CD8(+) T cell populations with high antigen sensitivity is critical for efficient pathogen clearance. Besides selection of high-affinity TCRs, the molecular mechanisms regulating the antigen sensitivity of CD8(+) T cells remain poorly defined. Herein, we have demonstrated that the antigen sensitivity of effector and memory CD8(+) T cells is dynamically regulated and can be tuned by pathogen-induced inflammatory milieux independently of the selection of cells with higher TCR affinity. Mechanistically, we have demonstrated that the signal-transduction capacity of key TCR proximal molecules is enhanced by inflammatory cytokines, which reduced the antigen density required to trigger antimicrobial functions. Dynamic tuning of CD8(+) T cell antigen sensitivity by inflammatory cytokines most likely optimizes immunity to specific pathogens while minimizing the risk of immunopathology at steady state.
Splitting of the giant monopole and quadrupole resonances in 154 Sm

Strength functions for the isoscalar giant monopole and quadrupole resonances in {sup 154}Sm have been measured with inelastic scattering of 240 MeV {alpha} particles at small angles. The E0 strength distribution containing (104{sub -20}{sup +15})% of the energy-weighted sum rule (EWSR) is consistent with two peaks at E{sub x}=12.1{+-}0.4 MeV and 15.5{+-}0.3 MeV containing (36{+-}10)% and (68{+-}9)% of the EWSR and the E2 strength distribution containing (103{sub -20}{sup +18})% of the EWSR is consistent with three peaks at E{sub x}=11.3{+-}0.2 MeV, 14.5{+-}0.5 MeV, and 17.5{+-}0.5 MeV containing (44{+-}7)%, (44{+-}8)%, and (15{+-}8)%, respectively, of the EWSR. (c) 1999 The American Physical Society.
Developmental defects in fish embryos from Salton Sea, California.

The Salton Sea is the largest inland body of water in California. It currently supports a sportfishery for orangemouth corvina (Cynoscion xanthulus). Other species of importance are the bairdiella (Bairdiella icistius) and sargo (Anisotremus davidsonii). The future status of the fishery is uncertain for several reasons including possible impacts from chemical contaminants entering the Sea via agricultural drains and rivers. There are also relatively large inputs of sewage from the New River and the Alamo River. Although these rivers discharge into the south end, strong currents and winds create rapid dispersion throughout the Salton Sea. Responding to environmental concerns, the State of California Department of Fish and Game supported a study on the population dynamics of Salton Sea fishes. Ichthyoplankton samples were collected for three spawning seasons, and fish embryos were evaluated for normal development. The development of fish embryos has been used for monitoring the effects of pollution in the New York Bight and in northern Europe, where malformation rates of up to 50% were found in embryos collected near highly contaminated rivers and waste dumping areas. This report describes significant incidences of malformed fish embryos collected from the Salton Sea. However, because of extreme hydrographical conditions present atmore » the Sea which might be at least partially responsible for the observed malformations, supporting information on embryonic development was obtained in this study by controlled spawning of Salton Sea fishes in the laboratory. 18 refs., 1 tab.« less
ADV Measurements around a Cluster Microform in a Shallow Mountain Stream

A field study was conducted to examine the turbulent properties of the flow around a naturally formed cluster bedform. This was carried out on a mountain river using a 3D acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV). Concurrent with this objective, the ability of the ADV to make measurements in a shallow flow over a cobble bed ( ho ∕ d84 =1.75) was examined. ADV measurements in natural clear-water shallow flows around obstacles are inherently difficult to obtain due to (1) signal interference between the acoustic reflections from the boundary and the ADV sample volume; (2) regions of high turbulent intensity, such as in local detached shear layers; and (3) low concentrations of suspended particles passing through the ADV sampling volume. These processes result in velocity time series that contain a significant amount of spikes, lower-than-average signal-to-noise ratios, and lower than average correlation values. A filtering process that optimized the removal of bad points while retaining a sufficient number of poin...
Design of Handtools

Information from a variety of sources is consolidated into eight principles. Each principle is explained and illustrated to aid designers as well as permit users to evaluate designs. The general pr...
Does alcohol use during high school affect educational attainment?: Evidence from the National Education Longitudinal Study

Abstract This paper uses data from the National Education Longitudinal Study to estimate the association between high school alcohol use and educational attainment measured around age 26. Initially, the effect of alcohol use on educational attainment is estimated using baseline probit models, which ignore the possibility that unmeasured determinants of alcohol use and educational attainment are correlated. A bivariate probit model is used next to estimate the equations jointly, with alcohol policies as identifying variables. Because these identifying variables are problematic, the bivariate probit model is then re-estimated without any identifying exclusions but with the correlation coefficient fixed at various levels. This part of the analysis allows one to gauge the sensitivity of the estimates to correlation between the unobservable determinants of both outcomes. The results suggest that alcohol use is associated with reductions in educational attainment, but there is little evidence that this association represents a causal relationship.
A plea for cost-effectiveness, or at least avoiding public health malpractice.

The author discusses the mission of public health that attempts to provide the most benefit for society with available limited resources. He discusses the advocacy of cost-effectiveness in public health that is at odds with the medical approach to service. He mentions the historical underpinnings of this approach and the notion of health for all proclaimed in the 1978 Declaration at Alma Ata.
Interfacial Fracture between Highly Cross-Linked Polymer Networks and a Solid Surface: Effect of Interfacial Bond Density

For highly crosslinked, polymer networks bonded to a solid surface, the effect of interfacial bond density as well as system size on interfacial fracture is studied molecular dynamics simulations. The correspondence between the stress-strain curve and the sequence of molecular deformations is obtained. The failure strain for a fully bonded surface is equal to the strain necessary to make taut the average minimal path through the network from the bottom solid surface to the top surface. At bond coverages less than full, nanometer scale cavities form at the surface yielding an inhomogeneous strain profile. The failure strain and stress are linearly proportional to the number of bonds at the interface unless the number of bonds is so few that van der Waals interactions dominate. The failure is always interfacial due to fewer bonds at the interface than in the bulk.
PAH partitioning mechanisms with activated sludge

Abstract Research was conducted to study the accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in biological sludge produced from an activated sludge process. For the purpose of modeling PAH distribution, the activated sludge process was viewed as a two phase chemical system in which PAH molecules partition between the wastewater and the lipid fraction of the biological sludge. PAH distribution between the two phases was quantitatively represented by an equilibrium distribution coefficient. An equation was developed from thermodynamic principals to estimate lipid-wastewater distribution coefficients for PAH. Solving this equation required the use of the UNIFAC method for calculating activity coefficients. PAH sludge sorption isotherms were experimentally determined for both a relatively clean “control” wastewater and a fixed bed coal gasification wastewater. Measured PAH distribution coefficients compared well to estimated distribution coefficients. The model indicates that PAH partitioning may be represented by an equilibrium distribution coefficient which relates the solubility of the PAH in the sludge lipid fraction to the solubility of PAH in the wastewater.
Regional soil-gas helium distribution of the Ely and Delta 1° × 2° quadrangles, Basin and Range Province

Abstract A reconnaissance soil-gas helium survey was made in the Ely, Nevada and Delta, Utah 1° × 2° quadrangles in the Basin and Range Province. Helium concentrations in 510 samples ranged from −147 to 441 ppb He with respect to ambient air. The median helium value for the study area was 36 ppb. Concentrations of more than 100 ppb He and less than −20 ppb He occur more commonly in the Ely quadrangle and are especially numerous in the western one-half of this quadrangle. Interpretation of the data reveals that the helium concentrations reflect the rock type, particularly the silicic volcanic occurrences, and the geological structure of the area created by crustal extension. The regional soil-gas helium distribution is important information to consider when interpreting anomalies from detailed surveys.
Scheduling with uncertain resources: Learning to ask the right questions

We consider the task of scheduling a conference based on incomplete information about resources and constraints, which requires elicitation of additional data, and describe a learning procedure that improves elicitation strategies. We outline the representation of incomplete knowledge, and then describe an adaptive elicitation procedure, which learns to identify critical missing data.
Digital measurement of phase angles for fault tolerant systems

A practical method for measuring phase angles digitally is presented. The appropriate software methodology for extending the concept to similar applications is shown. It is shown that approximating Y = sin(X) near the zero-crossing as a straight line introduces little error, which will not significantly affect any further calculations. If there is a large number of samples per period of the sinusoidal, there will be even less error introduced by this approximation, since the samples around the zero-crossing will be even closer together. The phase angle measurement can be carried out in the field and the information can be used for system control and fault tolerance. >
Watershed identification of polygonal patterns in noisy SAR images

The paper describes a new approach to pattern recognition in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. A visual analysis of the images provided by NASA's Magellan mission to Venus has revealed a number of zones showing polygonal-shaped faults on the surface of the planet. The goal of the paper is to provide a method to automate the identification of such zones. The high level of noise in SAR images and its multiplicative nature make automated image analysis difficult and conventional edge detectors, like those based on gradient images, inefficient. We present a scheme based on an improved watershed algorithm and a two-scale analysis. The method extracts potential edges in the SAR image, analyzes the patterns obtained, and decides whether or not the image contains a "polygon area". This scheme can also be applied to other SAR or visual images, for instance in observation of Mars and Jupiter's satellite Europa.
Hypoxia drives transient site-specific copy gain and drug-resistant gene expression

Copy number heterogeneity is a prominent feature within tumors. The molecular basis for this heterogeneity remains poorly characterized. Here, we demonstrate that hypoxia induces transient site-specific copy gains (TSSGs) in primary, nontransformed, and transformed human cells. Hypoxia-driven copy gains are not dependent on HIF1α or HIF2α; however, they are dependent on the KDM4A histone demethylase and are blocked by inhibition of KDM4A with a small molecule or the natural metabolite succinate. Furthermore, this response is conserved at a syntenic region in zebrafish cells. Regions with site-specific copy gain are also enriched for amplifications in hypoxic primary tumors. These tumors exhibited amplification and overexpression of the drug resistance gene CKS1B, which we recapitulated in hypoxic breast cancer cells. Our results demonstrate that hypoxia provides a biological stimulus to create transient site-specific copy alterations that could result in heterogeneity within tumors and cell populations. These findings have major implications in our understanding of copy number heterogeneity and the emergence of drug resistance genes in cancer.
Smart surveillance system applications

In the post 9/11 era, population security and safety considerations have given rise to research needed for identification of threatening human activities and emotional behavior. Information and technology developments have helped provide law enforcement organizations with tools that assist in gathering and processing a wide spectrum of data inputs (from simple video inputs to more complex types of retina or fingerprint checks) as security measures against crime. Millions of sensors across the world are currently available to collect and store data about particular places or subjects of interest, including surveillance cameras, which are tirelessly collecting and storing real-time data that can help in identifying the root cause of an event.
Analytical supercritical fluid extraction with lipase catalysis: Conversion of different lipids to methyl esters and effect of moisture

The fat content of lipid-containing samples has been determined by extraction of the fat with supercritical carbon dioxide, followed by enzyme-catalyzed methylation of the fat under supercritical conditions, prior to gas chromatography (GC) analysis. This study was initiated to determine the effect of moisture content on the extraction and conversion of lipids in oilseed and meat samples to their fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) derivatives. These samples were freeze-dried or mixed with Hydromatrix and compared with untreated control samples by employing the above-described supercritical fluid extraction-reaction sequence. Particular attention was focused on minor constituents, such as phospholipids and cholesteryl esters, to see if they could be extracted and derivatized by the above technique. Recoveries and reaction conversions of the lipid species were determined with the aid of GC, high-performance liquid chromatography, and supercritical fluid chromatography for analyses of the extracted lipids. Total fat values were higher from the freeze-dried meat and oilseed samples than from samples mixed with Hydromatrix or left untreated. Extraction of cholesteryl esters was better than 90%, and conversion of the cholesteryl esters to FAME was 93% or higher. Extraction of phosphatidic acid was only 88% compared to more than 90% recoveries for the other phospholipid species. FAME conversion was better than 96% for all phospholipid samples in the study.
Nomenclatural notes on some checkered beetle (Coleoptera: Cleridae) types of the Natural History Museum, London (BMNH)

Lectotypes were designated (and holotypes and paralectotypes recognized) for 44 species of Hydnocerinae, including the type species for Isolemidia, Parmius, Paupris, Allelidea, Blaesiopthalmus and Lemidia, four species of Enoclerus (Clerinae), and 14 species of Cymatodera (Tillinae). Annotations include comments on additional type material, new type locality, previous (type series) locality, and questionable or mysterious types. Phyllobaenus pallipes (Gorham) and P. rufithorax (Gorham) are synonymized with P. flavifemoratus (Gorham), P. chapini (Wolcott) is synonymized under P. lateralis (Gorham), and P. villosus (Schenkling) is synonymized under P. longus (LeConte), new synonymies. Phyllobaenus longus (LeConte) is discovered in New Mexico, new state record.
Developmental morphology and ossification patterns of the C1 vertebra.

Background: The first cervical vertebra (C1) is a unique ring-shaped structure and is largely cartilaginous at birth. Our objectives were to retrospectively analyze the age of closure of the synchondroses and determine age-dependent morphological characteristics of the C1 vertebra using computed tomographic (CT) scans. Methods: Helical CT scans were made in fifty-four children as part of routine imaging of patients presenting to the emergency room with head injury, to exclude cervical spine trauma. Axial and sagittal reconstruction images of the C1 ring were analyzed for widths of the anterior and posterior synchondroses, outer and inner anteroposterior diameters, outer and inner transverse diameters, inner area of the spinal canal at C1, and heights of the anterior and posterior arches. Variations in these parameters were evaluated in age groups from infancy to eighteen years. Results: As ossification progressed, the widths of the anterior neurocentral and posterior synchondroses decreased with increasing age. Closure of the posterior synchondrosis was complete in all by thirty-six months, except in one fifty-five-month-old subject in whom the posterior synchondrosis was open. Closure of the anterior synchondrosis was generally found after thirty-six months. Growth of the mean outer and inner anteroposterior diameters, mean outer transverse diameter, and increase in canal area occurred with age up to the three to six-year group, following which measurements increased minimally or stayed relatively constant. The inner transverse diameter was largely unchanged from birth to maturity and appeared to be independent of age. Anterior and posterior ring heights showed a similar distribution, with an increase up to the nine to twelve-year age group, and relatively constant values thereafter. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Data from this retrospective review of fifty-four CT scans of the cervical spine, weighted toward the youngest population, assist in understanding the age-dependent osseous anatomy and biomechanical stability of the C1 vertebra in the growing child, help to distinguish fractures from incomplete ossification, and help to formulate decisions on the use of internal fixation of C1 in the growing child.
Relationship of scores on two personality measures: creativity and self-image.

This study investigated the relationship between self-image and creativity in late adolescence. The multidimensional Offer Self-image Questionnaire was used to assess self-image while the How Do Yo...
Reducing Errors in Temperature and Salinity in an Ocean Model Forced by Restoring Boundary Conditions

Restoring boundary conditions, wherein the temperature and salinity are restored to surface target fields of temperature and salinity, are traditionally used for studies of the ocean circulation in ocean general circulation models. The canonical problem with these boundary conditions is that, when the target fields are chosen as the observed fields, accurate simulation of the surface fields of temperature and salinity would imply that the surface fluxes and therefore the ocean heat transports approach zero, a clearly unrealistic situation. It is clear that the target fields cannot be chosen as the observed fields. A simple but effective method of modifying conventional restoring boundary conditions is introduced, designed to keep the calculated values of surface temperature and salinity as close to observations as possible. The technique involves calculating the optimal target fields in the restoring boundary conditions by an iterative procedure. The method accounts for oceanic processes, such as advection and eddy mixing in the derivation of the new boundary conditions. A reduced version of this method is introduced that produces comparable results but offers greater simplicity in implementation. The simplicity of the method is particularly attractive in idealized studies, which often employ restoring surface boundary conditions. The success of the new method is, however, limited by several factors that cannot be easily compensated by the adjustment of the target profiles. These factors include inaccurate model dynamics, errors in the observations, and the too-simplified form of restoring surface boundary conditions themselves. The application of the method in this study with a coarse-resolution model leads to considerable improvements of the simulation of sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS). Both amplitude and phase of the annual cycle in SST greatly improve. The resulting magnitudes of surface heat and freshwater fluxes increase on average, and the meridional heat transport gets stronger. However, the fluxes in some regions remain unrealistic, notably the too-strong freshwater forcing of the western boundary currents in the Northern Hemisphere. Southern Ocean cooling and freshening are also likely to be too strong. The subsurface values of temperature improve greatly, proving that a large part of errors in the subsurface temperature distribution in our model can be corrected by reducing errors at the surface. In contrast, the reduction of errors in surface salinity fails to improve uniformly the simulated subsurface salinity values.
Microstructures and Properties of Ds in-Situ Composites of Nb-Ti-Si Alloys

In-situ composites based on binary Nb-Si alloys and consisting of a Nb solid solution with Nb3Si or Nb5Si3 have shown a promising combination of low temperature and high temperature mechanical properties. The environmental resistance and room temperature fracture toughness of these composites can be further enhanced by additions such as Ti, Hf, Cr, and Al. In the present study, ternary Nb-Ti-Si alloys were prepared by directional solidification to generate aligned two and three phase composites containing a Nb solid solution with Nb3Si and/or Nb5Si3. The present paper will describe microstructures, phase equilibria and fracture toughness of these composites. The improvement in the room temperature fracture toughness over binary Nb-Nb5Si3 composites is discussed.
Preventive care in Appalachia: use of the theory of planned behavior to identify barriers to participation in cholesterol screenings among West Virginians.

ABSTRACT: Context: West Virginians are at increased risk for heart disease. Given that the process of atherosclerosis begins in childhood, the Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities Project was developed to reduce this risk by implementing a cholesterol screening program in the schools. However, participation rates have been less than desired. Purpose: This study examined the barriers to participation in preventive health screenings, specifically cholesterol screenings, in adults and children of West Virginia using the theory of planned behavior to guide conceptualization. Methods: A total of 14 community leaders, 36 parents, and 92 fifth-grade children from 6 West Virginia counties with predominately rural populations participated in individual and focus group interviews. Qualitative analysis was used to examine interview transcripts. Findings: Adult and child attitudes about preventive care were the largest barrier to cholesterol screenings. Adult attitudinal barriers included concerns with outcomes of testing, lack of knowledge about cholesterol and heart disease, concerns about needles, and traditional Appalachian cultural beliefs (resistance to change, denial, and fatalism). Children cited concerns about needles, outcomes of testing, privacy, and lack of concern about health and cholesterol. Adults also acknowledged environmental barriers to screenings. Finally, children reported a lack of social pressure to participate in prevention activities. Conclusions: Attitudinal, social normative, and environmental barriers to health screenings may be characteristic of impoverished rural Appalachians. Interventions are being designed to target these belief barriers to improve participation in cholesterol screenings for fifth graders.
Inclusive ηp and ηn charged-current neutrino reactions below 6 GeV

Abstract Results are presented of a study of inclusive ηp and ηn interactions from threshold to 6 GeV. The data show a rapid approach to the distributions expected in the naive quark-parton model. The charged-current η deuteron total cross section is fit by the expression σ T ( η d) = (0.76 ± 0.03) × 10 −38 E η cm 2 per GeV per nucleon. For E η > 1.5 GeV, we measure σ T ( η n)/ σ T ( η p) = (2.02 ± 0.23). The distributions in the scaling variables x and y are given and discussed.
Descartes on God and the Products of His Will

Descartes begins the Meditations with a number of remarkable claims about what is possible – it is possible that God is a deceiver; it is possible that God does not exist and that we arrived at our present state by chance; it is possible that an evil demon is constantly manipulating our minds to regard what is false as utterly evident and true. Descartes’ epistemological project is of course in serious trouble if he establishes in the First Meditation that it is possible that we are mistaken about what is most evident to us. Here I argue that Descartes holds that a non-deceiving God exists necessarily; the possibility claims of the First Meditation are the deliverances of the mind of Descartes’ amateur and not yet sufficiently reflective meditator and not Descartes himself. Other possibility claims in Descartes’ corpus are to be understood in terms of Descartes’ Spinozistic view of divine freedom.
Abnormal developmental patterns of suck and swallow rhythms during feeding in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BFD) often have difficulty achieving coordinated suckle feeding. To analyze rhythmic differences during feeding in infants with BPD we performed weekly studies of 14 infants with BPD (eight male, six female; postmenstrual age [PMA] 32.1 to 39.7 weeks); and a PMA-matched control group without BPD (n=20), from initiation of bottle feeding until discharge, with simultaneous digital recordings of pharyngeal and nipple (teat) pressure. Unlike the control group, there was no significant correlation between PMA and stability of suckle rhythm, aggregation of suckles or swallows into runs, or length of suckle runs. Comparing those infants >35 weeks' PMA, the group with BPD had significantly decreased stability of suckle rhythm (increased coefficient of variation of suckle-suckle intervals: 0.34, SE 0.02 vs 0.254, SE 0.014; p=0.003), decreased aggregation into suckle runs (71.1, SE 3.4% vs 85.4, SE 2%;p=0.001), and decreased length of suckle runs (7.2, SE 0.9 vs 13.1, SE 1.9 suckles/run; p=0.003). Percentage of swallows in runs was also decreased in the cohort with BPD (58, SE 3.8% vs 77.2, SE 3.5%; p<0.001), as was length of swallow run (5.3, SE 0.5 vs 10.7, SE 1.1;p<0.001). Thus, in infants with BPD, anticipated maturational patterns of suckle and swallow rhythms did not occur. Delay in attainment of stable suckle and swallow rhythms in preterm infants, especially after 35 weeks' PMA, may predict subsequent feeding and neurological problems.
Dietary and plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein profiles among elderly Hispanics and non-Hispanics and their association with diabetes

Background: There are limited data about dietary intakes and plasma lipids of elderly US Hispanics. Objective: The disparity in prevalence of type 2 diabetes among population groups underscored our need to assess dietary and plasma risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Design: Plasma lipids and apolipoproteins and dietary intakes of macronutrients were measured in elderly subjects (60‐98 y): 490 Hispanics of Caribbean origin (Puerto Ricans and Dominicans) and 163 non-Hispanic whites. Plasma values were related to ethnicity and to macronutrient intake. Differences in plasma lipids due to diabetes were assessed among the Hispanics. Results: Intakes of carbohydrate and polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher and intakes of cholesterol and saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were lower in Hispanics than in non-Hispanic whites. Concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I were significantly lower among Hispanic women than among non-Hispanic white women; a similar trend was seen in men. Dyslipidemia (high triacylglycerols and low HDL cholesterol) was more prevalent among Hispanics with than without diabetes. Conclusions: Ethnic differences in serum lipids exist and appear to be associated with differences in dietary intakes. However, both Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites had lipid profiles indicating a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Hispanics with diabetes were at higher risk of dyslipidemia than were those without diabetes. Our data suggest that lifestyle changes, including diet modification and exercise, could be of significant benefit to both ethnic groups. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:1214‐21.
Attached to monogamy? Avoidance predicts willingness to engage (but not actual engagement) in consensual non-monogamy

People view monogamy as the optimal form of partnering and stigmatize consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships. Likewise, attachment researchers often equate romantic love (and security) with sexual exclusivity. Interestingly, a sizeable minority of people engage in CNM and report high levels of satisfaction. Across two studies, we examined how individual differences in attachment were associated with attitudes toward CNM, willingness to engage in CNM, and current involvement in CNM. Among individuals who had never engaged in CNM, avoidance was robustly linked to more positive attitudes and greater willingness to engage in CNM. However, avoidant individuals were less likely to engage in CNM than in monogamous relationships. Understanding attachment in multiple partner relationships can provide new avenues for exploring the complexities of relationships.
Temporary changes in vibrotactile perception during operation of impact power tools: A preliminary report

The temporary changes in vibrotactile perception during operation of impact power tools were analyzed. The waveforms were applied to an electro-dynamic vibration exciter after reducing the low-frequency roll-off in its electromechanical transfer functions. The result showed that the primary influence on temporary threshold shift was related to the frequency-weighting function used to form acceleration-time history.
Economics of journal publication

The publisher of primary journals faces the problem of how to continue to pay the costs of publishing in the face of a steadily expanding flow of literature, particularly the trend toward specialization. The former tends to add to his costs, while the latter tends to reduce the number of those willing to share the cost of publication. As new publications become more specialized in character and content, they tend to approach highly individualized information systems. It also becomes more difficult to maintain interdisciplinary contact. The resultant problems are significant to all concerned. It seems clear that the economics of the situation is going to be a decisive factor in reaching ultimate solutions. Whether we find new ways to support primary journals or seek to finance the dissemination of primary information by developing new methods of distribution will depend largely on how well we use our creative abilities to analyze our needs and to provide the answers.
Callithrix (Hapale) humeralifer (White-shouldered marmoset)

These karyotypes came from lymphocyte cultures of one male and one female specimens and were kindly supplied by Dr. J. Egozcue, Oregon Regional Primate Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA. The karyotype is similar to that of Cebuella pygmaea (Folio 47, Vol. 1) and Saimiri.
Income of the Retired Population

The performance of the U.S. retirement income system - including employment-based retirement plans, Social Security, individual saving, and post-retirement employment - can in part be assessed by examining the income of current retirees. This paper reviews the latest available data from the U.S. Census Bureau's March 2000 Current Population Survey (CPS) on the retired population's income, how it has changed over time, and how retirees' reliance on particular sources of income varies across income levels. The PDF for the above title, published in the June 2001 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the full text of another June 2001 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: "Characteristics of Individual Retirement Account Owners."
The Application of Automated Techniques in the Management and Control of Source Materials

is an inveterate adapter. His history is one of the application of narrow concepts to general needs. In the technological age such application has meant the proliferation of uses of a single invention far beyond what the inventor intended. The steam engine, developed to pump water from mines, became a power plant for locomotion, a means for creating electrical energy by driving generators, and, as a byproduct, a force to blow a penetrating whistle that replaced the steeple bell for mass communication of simple messages. The electric relay system, perfected to make possible telegraphic communication, developed into such diverse uses as the doorbell and the remotely controlled rail switch, and it became the mechanical predecessor of the electronic computer. The computer itself has followed this pattern of adaptation. Originally designed as a machine to aid in solving mathematical problems, it has been employed to address envelopes, to determine when magazine subscriptions will lapse, to control automobile traffic, to aid in the launching and progress of space flights, and to permit the designing of an apartment building with 167 different floor plans.1 By applying the computer in archival and manuscript work, the professions can attack problems that long ago were abandoned as prohibitively expensive. The computer is making possible information retrieval on a massive scale. The problem of retrieving information is not unfamiliar to archivists and manuscript curators. It existed even half a century ago, when collections generally were small, new accessions were few and far between, and the scholarly world was a rather tightly knit community of researchers and teachers who usually knew each other and knew what each was
Electrical systole (Q-T interval) of rabbit heart.

SummaryCurves have been drawn relating the QT interval to the cycle length for the isolated perfused rabbit ventricle. The effect of strophanthin and of quinidine on these curves has been studied.
Effect of Diisopropyl Fluorophosphate on Gastric Secretion and Gastric ATPase.

SummaryDFP has been shown to inhibit the transport of H and Cl ions in frog gastric mucosa. It has also been shown that the microsomal ATPase is inactivated by DFP both in fractionated and intact tissue.
Sequence stratigraphy of Lower Ordovician reef-bearing strata in the Middle Yangtze platform

The Lower Ordovician reef-bearing strata in the middle Yangtze platform may be divided into four II-type depositional sequences based on the principle and method of outcrop sequence stratigraphy.According to the characteristics of the systems tracts and depositional dynamic mechanism of these sequences and the controlling effects of sea level changes on the sedimentation,organism migration,bioreefs and environment,it is held that there occurred four sea level change cycles during the formation of the reef-bearing sequences in the study area:the first one occurred from the early to middle Lianghekouan age,the second one from the late Lianghekouan age to early Daobaowanian age,the third one from the early to late Daobaowanian age,and the last one from the early to middle Dawanian age.In the second cycle three subcycles are distinguished:the first subcycle occurred in the Second Member(Oolite Member)of the Fenxiang Formation,the second one in the Third Member(Alternatation Member)of the Fenxiang Formation,and the third one in the Fourth Member(Intercalation Member)of the Fenxiang Formation.Three keep-up carbonate systems and one lag carbonate depositional system are recognized.The reefs of the Fenxiang and Honghuayuan Formations formed in the highstand phase.Because of the occurrence of multiple subcycles in the process of sea level change,the reefs in the study area are characterized by the small thickness,small scale,large number and wide distribution.
Light rhythms and heavy spirits: entertaining listeners through gnawa musical and ritual adaptations in Morocco

ABSTRACTMoroccan musicians conflate sacred and popular sounds within diverse and malleable rituals across the country. Their efforts are aimed at negotiating and appeasing their various audiences: clients in need of healing, family and friends looking for an evening of entertainment, and spirits building relationships with possessed bodies. Drawing on ethnographic research from Fez, Meknes and Sidi ʿAli, I show how gnawa musicians blend the boundaries between ritual and entertainment through musical innovation. Often at the behest of audiences, they perform a contemporary version of the ritual repertoire, adapt dance music rhythms into the ceremony’s music and highlight the presence of spirits that are adopted by the gnawa from other traditions. These changes demonstrate pragmatism within ritual that counters common understandings of authentic spiritual practice, blurring lines between religious and secular experience. Professional ritual musicians navigate audience expectations within a contemporary poss...
TH‐B‐BRC‐02: Troubleshooting Issues with Linear Accelerator

Radiation treatment consists of a chain of events influenced by the quality of machine operation, beam data commissioning, machine calibration, patient specific data, simulation, treatment planning, imaging and treatment delivery. There is always a chance that the clinical medical physicist may make or fail to detect an error in one of the events that may impact on the patient's treatment. In the clinical scenario, errors may be systematic and, without peer review, may have a low detectability because they are not part of routine QA procedures. During treatment, there might be errors on machine that needs attention. External reviews of some of the treatment delivery components by independent reviewers, like IROC, can detect errors, but may not be timely. The goal of this session is to help junior clinical physicists identify potential errors as well as the approach of quality assurance to perform a root cause analysis to find and eliminate an error and to continually monitor for errors. A compilation of potential errors will be presented by examples of the thought process required to spot the error and determine the root cause. Examples may include unusual machine operation, erratic electrometer reading, consistent lower electron output, variation in photon output, body parts inadvertently left in beam, unusual treatment plan, poor normalization, hot spots etc. Awareness of the possibility and detection of error in any link of the treatment process chain will help improve the safe and accurate delivery of radiation to patients. Four experts will discuss how to identify errors in four areas of clinical treatment. D. Followill, NIH grant CA 180803