cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional MHD simulation of the Caltech plasma jet experiment: first results

Magnetic fields are believed to play an essential role in astrophysical jets with observations suggesting the presence of helical magnetic fields. Here, we present three-dimensional (3D) ideal MHD simulations of the Caltech plasma jet experiment using a magnetic tower scenario as the baseline model. Magnetic fields consist of an initially localized dipole-like poloidal component and a toroidal component that is continuously being injected into the domain. This flux injection mimics the poloidal currents driven by the anode-cathode voltage drop in the experiment. The injected toroidal field stretches the poloidal fields to large distances, while forming a collimated jet along with several other key features. Detailed comparisons between 3D MHD simulations and experimental measurements provide a comprehensive description of the interplay among magnetic force, pressure, and flow effects. In particular, we delineate both the jet structure and the transition process that converts the injected magnetic energy to other forms. With suitably chosen parameters that are derived from experiments, the jet in the simulation agrees quantitatively with the experimental jet in terms of magnetic/kinetic/inertial energy, total poloidal current, voltage, jet radius, and jet propagation velocity. Specifically, the jet velocity in the simulation is proportional to the poloidal current divided by the square root of the jet density, in agreement with both the experiment and analytical theory. This work provides a new and quantitative method for relating experiments, numerical simulations, and astrophysical observation, and demonstrates the possibility of using terrestrial laboratory experiments to study astrophysical jets.
Light Environment Influences Developmental Programming of the Metabolic and Visual Systems in Mice.

Purpose Light is a salient cue that can influence neurodevelopment and the immune system. Light exposure out of sync with the endogenous clock causes circadian disruption and chronic disease. Environmental light exposure may contribute to developmental programming of metabolic and neurological systems but has been largely overlooked in Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) research. Here, we investigated whether developmental light exposure altered programming of visual and metabolic systems. Methods Pregnant mice and pups were exposed to control light (12:12 light:dark) or weekly light cycle inversions (circadian disruption [CD]) until weaning, after which male and female offspring were housed in control light and longitudinally measured to evaluate differences in growth (weight), glucose tolerance, visual function (optomotor response), and retinal function (electroretinogram), with and without high fat diet (HFD) challenge. Retinal microglia and macrophages were quantified by positive Iba1 and CD11b immunofluorescence. Results CD exposure caused impaired visual function and increased retinal immune cell expression in adult offspring. When challenged with HFD, CD offspring also exhibited altered retinal function and sex-specific impairments in glucose tolerance. Conclusions Overall, these findings suggest that the light environment contributes to developmental programming of the metabolic and visual systems, potentially promoting a pro-inflammatory milieu in the retina and increasing the risk of visual disease later in life.
Utilizing high-purity carbon dioxide sources for algae cultivation and biofuel production in the United States: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO2) supply is an important consideration for algae production systems, and using high-purity CO2 eliminates the need for purification processes. This study assessed the challenges and opportunities inherent in using waste high-purity CO2 to produce algae in the United States. The United States’ upper Midwest region is rich in high-purity CO2 from corn ethanol production. However, its climate is not as favorable for algae production as that on the Gulf Coast. This study assessed the tradeoffs between these factors by comparing algae biofuel production with and without high-purity CO2 across these two regions. Monthly algae cultivation was modeled in open ponds co-located with high-purity CO2 sources in the Midwest and along the Gulf Coast, where many steam methane reforming and ammonia production facilities are located. This revealed that, by avoiding the energy-intensive carbon-capture process, an algae site that sources carbon from a high-purity CO2 source would achieve a 9–39% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a 9–37% reduction in life-cycle fossil energy use compared to a similar site using dilute CO2 for algae cultivation. The results also suggest that during warm months an algae pond in the Midwest would achieve results that are comparable to GHG emissions from a pond on the Gulf Coast. Furthermore, several Midwest algae ponds investigated in this study create less local water stress than those located along the Gulf Coast. The abundant high-purity CO2 from corn ethanol plants thus creates a potential opportunity for algae cultivation in the Midwest. This study illustrated the interplay between algae productivity, CO2 delivery, GHG emissions, and water stress in siting algae ponds.
Searching for Low Work Function Perovskite Oxides using Density Functional Theory

The work function is a crucial parameter for electron emitters used in vacuum electronic devices as lower function allows higher current density and/or lower operating temperature. Perovskite oxides are a novel class of materials for potential use in electron emission applications due to their tunable work functions, robust stability, and good electronic conductivity. In this work, we performed a high-throughput screening based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations and predicted BaMoO 3 to be promising emitter materials with low work function, good stability and high electronic conductivity. Our work also provides a general materials design principle governing the work function of perovskites, which is that perovskites with nearly empty electronic d-bands have the lowest work functions.
Trends in ICD Implantations and in-Hospital Outcomes After DOJ Investigation.

Abstract Background The Department of Justice (DOJ) investigated implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) not meeting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services National Coverage Determination (NCD) criteria, resulting in increased adherence to the NCD. Trends of the specific reasons for patients not meeting the NCD and in-hospital outcomes for those patients are not known. Methods We analyzed 300,151 primary prevention ICDs from 2007-2015 at 1809 hospitals. We calculated rates of in-hospital adverse events and the proportion of ICDs not meeting four NCD criteria before and after the announcement of the DOJ investigation, stratified by whether hospitals paid settlements to the DOJ. Results Most reductions in devices not meeting NCD were among patients with recently diagnosed heart failure (15.5% to 6.8% for settled; 13.5% to 7.3% for non-settled) and with a recent myocardial infarction (8.4% to 1.3% for settled; 7.4% to 1.5% for non-settled). Adverse event rates were significantly higher for ICDs not meeting NCD criteria (odds ratio 1.26 for settled, p Conclusions Following the investigation, there was a rapid reduction in ICDs placed for patients with a recent AMI or recent HF diagnosis. Patients who don't meet NCD criteria experienced more in-hospital adverse events and mortality.
The Impact of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Device, Nebulizer Type, and Placement on Trans-Nasal Aerosol Drug Delivery: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Aerosol delivery via high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been increasingly used in recent years. However, the effects of different HFNC devices, nebulizer types, and placement on aerosol deposition remain largely unknown. METHODS: An adult manikin with anatomically correct upper airway was used with a collection filter placed between the manikin’s trachea and a breathing simulator, composed of a dual-chamber model lung driven by a critical care ventilator. Three HFNC device configurations were compared, with vibrating mesh nebulizer and small-volume nebulizer placed at the humidifier (inlet for Optiflow and outlet for Airvo 2) and proximal to the nasal cannula at gas flows of 10, 20, 40 and 60 L/min, in quiet and distressed breathing patterns. Albuterol (2.5 mg) was nebulized for each condition (no. = 3). The drug was eluted from the collection filter and assayed with ultraviolet spectrophotometry (276 nm). RESULTS: At all settings, except when a nebulizer was placed proximal to the nasal cannula with the Optiflow and when the HFNC flow was set at 60 L/min, the vibrating mesh nebulizer generated a higher inhaled dose than did the small-volume nebulizer (all P CONCLUSIONS: During transnasal aerosol delivery, the vibrating mesh nebulizer generated a higher inhaled dose than did the small-volume nebulizer when the nebulizer was placed at the humidifier. With the vibrating mesh nebulizer placed at the humidifier and an HFNC flow > 10 L/min, the inhaled dose was higher than with the vibrating mesh nebulizer placed proximal to the nasal cannula, and the inhaled dose was higher with Optiflow than with Airvo 2.
An Investigation of Duraluminum Channel Section Struts Under Compression

T ? OR stiffeners or struts built up of flat plate elements -*• and subjected to axial compression, theoretical calculations can be made with a degree of accuracy sufficient for practical application, and will be on the conservative side. Failure in such a member will occur when the applied stress is equal to the critical stress value in Euler column failure, torsional failure, or flat plate buckling failure, which ever is the smallest. The formulae and diagrams obtained (Fig. 5) enable the designer to determine the type of failure occurring in a practical case.
Knowledge of the B-Lynch Brace Suture Technique Among Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident Physicians

Abstract Background: The B-Lynch brace suture is invaluable in the surgical management of postpartum hemorrhage, particularly as a fertility-sparing alternative to hysterectomy. Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate knowledge patterns of the B-Lynch brace suture technique among obstetrics–gynecology resident physicians. Materials and Methods: A short anonymous and voluntary survey was administered to obstetrics–gynecology resident physicians from various university-affiliated and community residency programs located in the northeastern United States. The questions were designed to help assess a resident physician's knowledge about the technique and intraoperative application of the B-Lynch brace suture. Resident physician responses were compared by postgraduate year (PGY) level. Chi-square (χ2) and Fisher's exact tests were used when appropriate. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Seventy (58.3%) of 120 resident physicians completed the survey. Of these, 17 (24.3%) revea...
Asian/American: Historical Crossings of a Racial Frontier

Asian/American: Historical Crossings of. Racial Frontier. David Palumbo-Liu. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1999. 504 pp.
Characteristics of directional wave spectra and implications for detailed-balance wave modeling

Abstract There is an increasing need for accurate wave spectra in remote sensing applications and for accurate estimates of momentum exchanges between waves and the atmosphere and ocean in coupled modeling. Existing operational models are calibrated in a holistic context which focuses on integrated wave growth and dissipation, not on the detailed-balance exchanges required for these emerging needs. Here we propose a set of metrics, based on a number of careful observational studies, for use in future model evaluations. An overall perspective seen in the observational data is a general agreement with shapes anticipated from energy, action and momentum flux constraints produced by nonlinear wave interactions in wave spectra. Given the apparent importance of the nonlinear source term to detailed-balance model, we review the basis of the existing approximation used in existing operational models and find this form deviates significantly from the full integral representation of these interactions. It is proposed here that new observational evidence and theoretical formulations be utilized in the development of wave models specifically to meet remote sensing and coupled modeling needs.
Galactic Carbon Monoxide Isotope Ratios

For twenty-five years, almost since the first detection of CO, isotopic abundance ratios of molecules in interstellar clouds (ISC) have been measured by radio techniques. These observations have been used to: 1) determine Galactic chemical evolution (nucleosynthesis, star formation rate, injection and mixing of gas in the interstellar medium); 2) interpret physical conditions in ISCs; and, 3) test models of interstellar chemistry. The carbon isotopic species are important because 12 and 13 carbon trace primary and secondary nucleosynthesis, respectively, and carbon molecules are pervasive in ISCs. To appreciate the difficulty of these measurements, keep in mind that we are looking for small differences by usual astronomical standards, about a factor of two across the Galaxy and 25 percent locally.
Course, outcomes, and psychosocial interventions for first-episode mania.

McMurrich S, Sylvia LG, Dupuy JM, Peckham AD, Peters AT, Deckersbach T, Perlis RH. Course, outcomes, and psychosocial interventions for first-episode mania. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 797–808. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objectives: The course of bipolar disorder tends to worsen over time, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Despite the recognized need for adjunctive psychosocial treatments in first-episode mania, very few studies have evaluated psychological interventions for this period of significant risk. In this empirical review, we evaluate existing research on first-episode bipolar disorder, compare this body of research to parallel studies of first-episode schizophrenia, and identify strategies for future research. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE and PsychINFO databases was conducted to identify studies of first-episode mania, as well as first-episode schizophrenia. Recovery and relapse rates were compared across studies. Results: In contrast to a number of studies of first-episode schizophrenia, the authors identified only seven independent programs assessing first-episode mania. Findings from these studies suggest that, while pharmacological treatment helps patients achieve recovery from acute episodes, it fails to bring patients to sustained remission. Early psychosocial intervention may be imperative in reducing residual symptoms, preventing recurrence of mood episodes, and improving psychosocial functioning. However, very few studies of psychosocial interventions for first-episode mania have been systematically studied. Conclusions: Studies of first-episode mania indicate a gap between syndromal/symptomatic and functional recovery. Novel psychosocial interventions for first-episode mania may help bridge this gap, but require controlled study.
EDICT for 3D computation of two-fluid interfaces

Abstract We present the 3D implementation and applications of the enhanced-discretization interface-capturing technique (EDICT) in computation of unsteady flows with two-fluid interfaces. In such computations, EDICT can be used as a very effective method, which combines the flexibility and efficiency of interface-capturing techniques with the accuracy provided by enhanced discretization at the interfaces. A stabilized finite element interface-capturing technique is used as the base formulation to solve, over a typically non-moving mesh, the Navier–Stokes equations and an advection equation governing the interface function. To increase the accuracy in modeling the interfaces, we use finite element functions with multiple components at and near the interfaces, with each component coming from a different level of mesh refinement. With its parallel implementation on advanced high-performance computing platforms such as the CRAY T3E, EDICT is a powerful tool for the simulation of a complex, 3D unsteady flow problems with two fluid-interfaces, including free surfaces.
Dislocation interactions with tilt walls

The flow of plastic deformation in polycrystalline materials can be due to activation of sources in adjacent grains due to the effect of pile up dislocations against the grain boundary and also through the transmission of dislocations across the grain boundary. In this paper, we focus on these two issues by studying the evolution of resolved shear stress as a result of pile up dislocations against the boundary and understanding the basic phenomena of dislocation transmission through grain boundary. We also investigated the relaxed structures a grain boundary acquires after the process of dislocation transmission.
Software controlled memory scrubbing for the Van Allen Probes Solid State Recorder (SSR) memory

The Van Allen Probes mission which was designed and built by the Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is also being operated by the APL mission operations team in Laurel, Maryland. The two Van Allen Probes spacecraft have been successfully collecting data on orbit since they were launched on August 30, 2012. These twin probes are providing unprecedented insight into the physical dynamics of the Earth's radiation belts and are giving scientists the data they need to make predictions of changes in this critical region of space, by sampling the harsh radiation belt environment where major space weather activity occurs and many spacecraft operate.[1] Shortly after launch, radiation induced anomalies were reported on both spacecraft and investigated by the hardware and software engineering teams. The most significant of these anomalies was associated with single-event effects experienced by the spacecraft Solid State Recorder (SSR) memory. The radiation effects resulted in correctable memory errors but with a secondary effect of data corruption within the SSR. The investigation into these anomalies ultimately identified a subtle hardware design defect, which was reproducible in a controlled ground test environment. This paper details the nature of the memory upsets and hardware mitigation interactions, and the effect these had on the spacecraft science and housekeeping data. It also describes the subsequent investigation and testing to uncover the hardware shortcomings and the implementation and upload of modified flight software to the operational spacecraft. Lastly this paper will provide on-orbit performance data for the SSR since the modified software was made active. Altogether, this will provide insight into not only the challenges of designing for the harsh radiation environment, but also into the need for flexibility when designing systems.
Calibration facilites for borehole and surface environmental radiation measurements

Instruments that measurein situ radiation from natural or radiochemically-contaminated earth formations must be calibrated in appropriate facilities to provide quantitative assessments of concentrations of radionuclides. For instruments that are inserted into boreholes, these calibration facilities are typically special models having holes for probe insertion and having sufficient size to appear radiometrically “infinite” in extent. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has such models at Hanford, Washington, and Grand Junction, Colorado. They are concrete cylinders having a central borehole and containing known, enhanced amounts of K, U, and Th for spectral gamma-ray measurements. Additional models contain U for calibrating neutron probes for fissile materials and total-count gamma-ray probes. Models for calibrating neutron probes for moisture measurements in unsaturated formations exist for steel-cased boreholes at Hanford and for uncased boreholes at the DOE's Nevada Test Site. Large surface pads are available at Grand Junction for portable, vehicle-mounted, or airplane-mounted spectral gamma-ray detectors.
Renal hemodynamic effects of calcium antagonists in rats with reduced renal mass.

The intrarenal hemodynamic effects of antihypertensive agents vary considerably, and these microcirculatory effects may contribute to long-term structural sequelae in the setting of chronic renal disease. To investigate the consequences of blood pressure reduction with calcium antagonists, 5/6 nephrectomized Munich-Wistar rats underwent baseline determinations of mean arterial pressure, whole kidney function, and single nephron glomerular filtration rate, after which intravenous infusions of verapamil or diltiazem were given in doses that acutely normalized blood pressure; control rats received saline vehicle. During the baseline period, all rats exhibited comparably elevated values for mean arterial pressure and single nephron glomerular filtration rate. During the experimental infusion, control rats exhibited continued single nephron hyperfiltration (84 +/- 8 nl/min) as a result of elevations in both glomerular capillary plasma flow rate (330 +/- 36 nl/min) and glomerular capillary hydraulic pressure (68 +/- 3 mm Hg), whereas the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient was low [0.050 +/- 0.009 nl/(sec.mm Hg)]. Both verapamil (148 +/- 6 to 103 +/- 3 mm Hg, p less than 0.05) and diltiazem (154 +/- 6 to 102 +/- 2 mm Hg, p less than 0.05) normalized arterial pressure, which did not change in control rats (150 +/- 7 to 142 +/- 8 mm Hg). Single nephron hyperfiltration and hyperperfusion were comparable among groups during the experimental period; compared with baseline values, diltiazem (97 +/- 8 to 71 +/- 7 nl/min, p less than 0.05) but not verapamil (90 +/- 7 to 83 +/- 6 nl/min, p = NS) modestly lowered the single nephron glomerular filtration rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cognitive foundations for science assessment design: Knowing what students know about evolution

To improve assessments of academic achievement, test developers have been urged to use an “assessment triangle” that starts with research-based models of cognition and learning [NRC (2001) Knowing what students know: The science and design of educational assessment. Washington, DC: National Academy Press]. This approach has been successful in designing high-quality reading and math assessments, but less progress has been made for assessments in content-rich sciences such as biology. To rectify this situation, we applied the “assessment triangle” to design and evaluate new items for an instrument (ACORNS, Assessing Contextual Reasoning about Natural Selection) that had been proposed to assess students' use of natural selection to explain evolutionary change. Design and scoring of items was explicitly guided by a cognitive model that reflected four psychological principles: with development of expertise, (1) core concepts facilitate long-term recall, (2) causally-central features become weighted more strongly in explaining phenomena, (3) normative ideas co-exist but increasingly outcompete naive ideas in reasoning, and (4) knowledge becomes more abstract and less specific to the learning situation. We conducted an evaluation study with 320 students to examine whether scores from our new ACORNS items could detect gradations of expertise, provide insight into thinking about evolutionary change, and predict teachers' assessments of student achievement. Findings were consistent with our cognitive model, and ACORNS was revealing about undergraduates' thinking about evolutionary change. Results indicated that (1) causally-central concepts of evolution by natural selection typically co-existed and competed with the presence of naive ideas in all students' explanations, with naive ideas being especially prevalent in low-performers' explanations; (2) causally-central concepts were elicited most frequently when students were asked to explain evolution of animals and familiar plants, with influence of superficial features being strongest for low-performers; and (3) ACORNS scores accurately predicted students' later achievement in a college-level evolution course. Together, findings illustrate usefulness of cognitive models in designing instruments intended to capture students' developing expertise. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 744–777, 2012
Effectiveness of onsite wastewater reuse system in reducing bacterial contaminants measured with human-specific IMS/ATP and qPCR.

Water shortages and the drive to recycle is increasing interest in reuse of reclaimed wastewater. Timely and cost-effective ways to detect fecal pollutants prior to reuse increases confidence of residents and neighbors concerned about reuse of reclaimed wastewater. The on-site wastewater treatment and reuse systems (OWTRS) used in this study include a septic tank, peat bioreactor, ClO(2) disinfection and land spray irrigation system. Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., were tested with immunomagnetic separation/ATP bioluminescence (IMS/ATP), qPCR and culture-based methods. The results displayed a 2-log reduction in fecal bacteria in the peat bioreactor and a 5-log reduction following chloride dioxide disinfection. The fecal bacteria levels measured by IMS/ATP correlated with qPCR results: HuBac 16S (R(2) = 0.903), Bf-group 16S (R(2) = 0.956), gyrB (R(2) = 0.673), and Ent 23S (R(2) = 0.724). This is the first study in which the newly developed human-specific IMS/ATP and previously developed IMS/ATP were applied for determining OWTRS efficiency. Results of the study revealed that IMS/ATP is a timely and cost-effective way to detect fecal contaminants, and results were validated with qPCR and culture based methods. The new IMS/ATP can also be applied broadly in the detection of human-originated fecal contamination.
p53 constrains progression to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in a Braf-mutant mouse model of papillary thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) has among the worst prognoses of any solid malignancy. The low incidence of the disease has in part precluded systematic clinical trials and tissue collection, and there has been little progress in developing effective therapies. v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) and tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutations cooccur in a high proportion of ATCs, particularly those associated with a precursor papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). To develop an adult-onset model of BRAF-mutant ATC, we generated a thyroid-specific CreER transgenic mouse. We used a Cre-regulated BrafV600E mouse and a conditional Trp53 allelic series to demonstrate that p53 constrains progression from PTC to ATC. Gene expression and immunohistochemical analyses of murine tumors identified the cardinal features of human ATC including loss of differentiation, local invasion, distant metastasis, and rapid lethality. We used small-animal ultrasound imaging to monitor autochthonous tumors and showed that treatment with the selective BRAF inhibitor PLX4720 improved survival but did not lead to tumor regression or suppress signaling through the MAPK pathway. The combination of PLX4720 and the mapk/Erk kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD0325901 more completely suppressed MAPK pathway activation in mouse and human ATC cell lines and improved the structural response and survival of ATC-bearing animals. This model expands the limited repertoire of autochthonous models of clinically aggressive thyroid cancer, and these data suggest that small-molecule MAPK pathway inhibitors hold clinical promise in the treatment of advanced thyroid carcinoma.
Overview of Electromyography in Ergonomics

Electromyography (EMG) is a tool that can be very valuable in ergonomic studies if it is used correctly and if the associated limitations are appreciated. An understanding of the use of EMG transce...
An examination of natural language as a query formation tool for retrieving information on e-health from Pub Med

The Internet has become the first tool of choice for performing information searches. The concepts of e-health and related topics have become areas of interest for professional researchers and lay users alike, and increasingly, users turn to the Internet for information about health and health care. The purpose of this study is to examine complexity and variability of natural language as observed in using search terms that express the concept of e-health. We survey effects of this complexity in terms of precision of information retrieved, the shift in the terminology for an emerging concept and with regards to the degree of overlap between query results. We have designed a series of natural language queries and used them to perform a series of searches on Pub Med. Subsequent analysis examined the degree to which relevant information can be retrieved using terms regarding e-health. The degree to which relevant returns overlap between searches has also been examined. Our results show significant variation in relevance and overlap between different query terms and a high degree of precision among search results that have high incidence of overlap.
Predicting use of assistance when quitting: A longitudinal study of the role of quitting beliefs

Abstract Background A growing literature addresses the need to reduce cigarette smoking prevalence by increasing the use of assistance when quitting. A key focus is to identify strategies for enhancing adoption of effective interventions in order to increase utilization of evidence-based treatments. Purpose To examine the effect of beliefs regarding ability to quit on utilization of assistance for smoking cessation. A mediation model was hypothesized whereby the relationship between smoking and use of assistance is influenced by beliefs in ability to quit. Methods The present study includes 474 of 1000 respondents to baseline and follow-up California Smokers Cohort surveys conducted from 2011 to 2013. Included were baseline smokers who reported a 24-h quit attempt at follow-up. Baseline variables were used to predict use of assistance when quitting. Results The hypothesized model was tested using a product of coefficients method, controlling for demographics. Greater heaviness of smoking and lower belief in ability to quit were significantly related to use of assistance. Quitting beliefs significantly mediated the relationship between nicotine dependence and use of assistance. Conclusions The present data support a mechanism whereby the effect of smoking rate on treatment utilization is mediated by beliefs in ability to quit. Greater belief in one's ability to quit may represent an obstacle to treatment utilization by reducing the likelihood of successful cessation. The present findings suggest the value of targeted messages from health care providers that normalize the need for assistance when attempting to change an addictive behavior and emphasize the difficulty of quitting without assistance.
Americans and Iraq, twelve years apart: Comparing support for the US wars in Iraq

Abstract Significant differences exist in Americans’ support for force between the 1991 Persian Gulf War and 2003 Iraq War, even when holding all demographic variables constant. Nearly every group decreased their support from 1991 to 2003, including men and women, Whites and racial minorities, people with high school degrees or higher, nearly all age categories, and Democrat and Independent affiliated individuals. When examining potential causes for decreased support in the 2003 Iraq War, the “nature of the conflict” presents the strongest argument and evidence. The Persian Gulf War aimed to force the Iraqi army from Kuwait, while the Iraq War was aimed at changing the governmental regime of Iraq. The latter conflict was less socially acceptable than the former to Americans. These differences between the conflicts are the best explanation for the change in support, while other explanations, including the changing composition of the population and a less pro-military populace, are insufficient.
Methane production in contrasting wetland sites: Response to organic‐chemical components of peat and to sulfate reduction

Abstract We used methane‐production measurements of slurried peat to study controls of methane production in six contrasting Appalachian wetland sites. The sites differed widely in plant‐community composition and in rates of methane production, which varied from 3 μmol/L/day in slurried‐peat samples from a shrub‐dominated bog to 216 μmol/L/day in peat from a spruce‐forested wetland. Three controlling factors of methane production were examined: organic‐chemical components of the peat (e.g., hot‐water soluble, sulfuric acid soluble, sulfuric acid insoluble), concentrations of dissolved organic carbon, and rates of sulfate reduction. Peats from shrub‐dominated sites contained mostly acid‐insoluble organic matter, which was presumably recalcitrant to microbial decomposition. In contrast, peats from moss‐and sedge‐dominated sites contained mostly acid‐soluble organic matter, which was presumably labile. Differences of organic‐chemical components of the peat could explain about 50% of the variation in rates of...
Transcriptional program associated with IFN-α response of renal cell carcinoma

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is refractory to therapy; however, 10%–20% of patients respond favorably with interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment. To understand the molecular basis of response to IFN-α therapy, we performed global gene expression analysis of sensitive and resistant RCC cell lines in the absence and in the presence of IFN-α, using high-density oligonucleotide arrays to detect differentially expressed genes. In the absence of IFN-α, no significant differences in gene expression were observed between six sensitive and six resistant cell lines. Gene expression analysis following a time course of IFN-α2b treatment in one sensitive (SK-RC-17) and one resistant (SK-RC-12) cell line revealed that 484 and 354 transcripts, respectively, were modulated. A considerable number of these transcripts were similarly modulated between the two cell types that included several known targets of IFN signaling associated with antiviral and immunomodulatory activity. A further analysis of gene expression patter...
Texture enhancement during grain growth of magnesium alloy AZ31B

Abstract The microstructure and texture evolution during annealing of rolled Mg alloy AZ31B, at temperatures ranging from 260 to 450 °C, is characterized, and a grain growth exponent of n = 5, indicating inhibition of grain growth, is observed. Broadening of the normalized grain size distributions, which indicates abnormal grain growth, was observed at all temperatures investigated. It is shown, using a Zener-type analysis for pinning of grain boundaries by particles, that impurity-based particles are responsible for grain growth inhibition and abnormal grain growth. The strong basal texture which develops during rolling of the Mg alloy, resulting in an initial peak intensity in the (0 0 0 2) pole figure of nine multiples of a random distribution (MRD), increases to ∼15 MRD during annealing at 400 and 450 °C. Moreover, a specific texture component {0 0 0 1} 〈 1 1 2 ¯ 0 〉 is observed in the orientation distribution, which increases from 10 to 23 MRD at 400 °C. It is hypothesized that the anisotropic grain boundary properties (i.e. low angle boundaries have low energy and mobility) are responsible for the texture strengthening. Additionally, electron backscattered diffraction reveals the recrystallized microstructure to contain a significant number of boundaries with ∼30° misorientation about the 〈0 0 0 1〉 direction, and this boundary type persists throughout most annealing treatments explored.
Huntington's disease: update and review of neuropsychiatric aspects.

Objective:This article presents a general update on Huntington's disease (HD) and reviews the psychiatric and cognitive features of this disorder.Method:HD is discussed in five sections: an introduction and update, the psychiatric aspects, the cognitive aspects, brain-behavior relationships, and the differential diagnosis and management.Results:Recent advancements in HD include the identification of presymptomatic testing methods and HD gene defect, structural and metabolic neuroimaging findings, and a neuropsychological profile. HD is associated with mood disorders, personality changes, irritable and explosive behavior, a schizophrenia-like illness, suicidal behavior, sexuality changes, and specific cognitive deficits.Conclusions:HD results in organic mental disorders from dysfunction of prefrontal-subcortical circuits coursing through the caudate nuclei. The diagnosis of HD is aided by genetic testing, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological testing. Management involves education, genetic counseling, and p...
Consumer Preferences for Assimilative Versus Aspirational Models in Marketing Communications: The Role of Product Class, Individual Difference, and Mood State

Applying tenets of social comparison theory and social judgment-involvement theory, this paper reports on two studies that examine whether consumers prefer assimilative (self-similar) versus aspirational (self-contrasting) product models (i.e., endorsers, spokespersons), and if these preferences differ as a function of product category and personality. Study 1 confirmed these assumptions and showed that people lean toward aspirational models for symbolic products and assimilative models for functional products. Study 2 suggests that mood can influence the relationships found in Study 1, particularly when people have low ego-involvement in comparing themselves with others. The findings imply that moods are one manner in which the latitudes for acceptance of product models can be examined and manipulated. The findings are discussed in light of how practitioners may utilize these outcomes, and how researchers can extend examination of the phenomenon.
Positive Reinforcement, H2S, and the Permo-Triassic Extinction: Comment and Reply REPLY

We welcome the comment by Berner and Ward on our 2005 paper, and appreciate the double meaning of “positive reinforcement” in its title, reflecting the absence of criticism of our work. The feedbacks they describe are likely components of the end-Permian biosphere upheaval, and the positive sign
Fluctuating circulation forced by unsteady multidirectional breaking waves

We consider nearshore rotational currents directly forced by unsteady multidirectional wave breaking. Scaling relationships, simplified analytical solutions, and asymptotic limits are developed for the maximum forced cross-shore and longshore velocities. In all cases, forced longshore velocities are considerably larger than cross-shore velocities. On longshore-uniform beaches, strong fluctuating velocities are found for (i) large waves; (ii) strong directional spreading; and (iii) short peak wave periods. When topographic inhomogeneities control longshore scales of wave breaking, overall scaling changes and the largest fluctuating velocities are found for (a) large waves; (b) long wave periods; and (c) topographic features that vary quickly in the longshore direction. The ratio of fluctuating rotational velocities to mean longshore current does not depend on the wave height or period, but instead on the bottom friction, slope, deep water wave angle, and details of the wave spectrum.
Deriving dynamic information on fire fuel distributions in southern Californian chaparral from remotely sensed data

Abstract The major objective of the research reported in this paper was to perform a pilot study for mapping fire fuel properties of southern Californian chaparral shrubs and associated forest ecotones using multi-date (seasonal) Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) image data. Information on past, current and future (predicted) distributions of vegetation properties pertaining to fire fuels are necessary for understanding, monitoring, managing and modeling fire in changing Mediterranean landscapes. Seasonal and interannual variability of some vegetation properties can be extracted from multi-date remotely sensed data that may provide useful information pertaining to fire fuel distributions. Brightness (BR), Greenness (GR) and Wetness (WT) transform images were derived from two geometrically and radiometrically registered TM images acquired in San Diego Country. California, USA, near the beginning and end of the 1986–1987 growing season. Seasonal difference images of these transforms were also generated. Transform and difference values were stratified by vegetation community type and stand age or slope aspect, using an existing raster geographic information system database. The BR and GR images provided unique spatial information pertaining to vegetation conditions. Seasonal change in BR was highest for burn and meadow areas, while high values in seasonal change in GR corresponded to deciduous oak woodlands, grasslands and vegetated north facing slopes. End-of-season GR for Mixed Chaparral varied with stand age in a manner which was similar to field measurements of total and live standing biomass. Differential illumination effects seem to dominate spatial variations in BR and GR values and their seasonal change as a function of slope aspect.
Secondary Flow Mixing Due to Biofilm Growth in Capillaries of Varying Dimensions

Using a magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) technique, velocity perturbations due to biofouling in capillaries were detected in 3D velocity maps. The velocity images in each of the three square capillary sizes (2, 0.9, and 0.5 mm i.d.) tested indicate secondary flow in both the x- and y-directions for the biofouled capillaries. Similar flow maps generated in a clean square capillary show only an axial component. Investigation of these secondary flows and their geometric and dynamic similarity is the focus of this study. The results showed significant secondary flows present in the 0.9 mm i.d. capillary, on the scale of 20% of the bulk fluid flow. Since this is the "standard 1 mm" size capillary used in confocal microscopy laboratory bioreactors to investigate biofilm properties, it is important to understand how these enhanced flows impact bioreactor transport.
Enhanced vision simulator for human factors evaluations

A low-cost Operational Development and Evaluation System (ODES) was developed for evaluating and demonstrating Head Up Display (HUD) technology, including projected out the window graphics. This consisted of commercial workstations and PC's, a prototype autopilot control panel and an engineering F-15 HUD unit. Software utilized functional partitioning to provide maximum flexibility for modification, expansion and rehosting of software functions. For human factors evaluation of Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS), a real-time simulation was needed for subjects to respond to. Real-time simulated enhanced vision, such as that using millimeter wave radar, is not possible without supercomputers or oversimplification of the radar simulation. We solved this problem by defining operational scenarios for evaluation, generating the EVS radar simulation off-line, transferring simulation run results to a Silicon Graphics (SG) machine for B-scope to C-scope conversion and contrast enhancement and recording the SG images on an optical disk, a frame at a time. For real-time simulation, an ODES system was modified to control the playback of the optical disk recorder through the HUD raster subsystem in coordination with the aircraft model position as driven by the autopilot. The system was first put to use in a study of EVS raster obscuration issues.
Building Local Infrastructure for Coordinated School Health Programs: A Pilot Study

Coordinated school health programs (CSHPs) provide an organizational framework for school health practice by combining health education, health promotion, disease prevention, and access to health services in an integrated, systemic manner. This project examined the effects of a regional 2-year training program to increase local school districts’ CSHP infrastructure as measured by the establishment of four structures essential to the CSHP model. These structures include a (a) school health advisory council, (b) school health coordinator, (c) school-based health teams, and (d) school board policy. Nine participating school districts were compared to seven nonparticipating districts. The nine participating districts demonstrated a significant increase in school health services and their infrastructure for CSHP as measured by the establishment of the four essential structures. Academic and physical fitness gains were noted for both the participating and nonparticipating districts. These results suggest that a...
Some variables affecting a constituent's evaluations of and behavior toward a boundary role occupant

Abstract The present study investigated the effects of three factors on a constituent's evaluation of a salesman and his behavior toward him: (a) the effectiveness of an organization's outputting function (outputting effectiveness); (b) the reported willingness of outsiders to accept its outputs (outsider receptiveness); and (c) the obedience of salesmen to bargaining tactics issued by constituents. Each subject served as a constituent, directing the strategy of his salesman in negotiation with a buyer (outsider). The roles of the salesman and buyer were enacted by the experimenter. The study revealed that constituent evaluations of a salesman and behavior toward him are best predicted as the result of two main effects, outputting effectiveness and salesman obedience. Outsider receptiveness had no appreciable effect. Subjects receiving information that the system was outputting effectively, as compared to those learning that it was outputting ineffectively, evaluated the salesman's performance and other attributes more positively, granted him more autonomy, and expressed more trust in him. Salesmen thought to be obedient were also evaluated more positively, granted more autonomy, and trusted more.
The neurovascular unit and combination treatment strategies for stroke

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administered within 4.5h of symptom onset restores cerebral blood flow (CBF) and promotes neurological recovery of stroke patients. However, the narrow therapeutic time window and the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage after tPA treatment pose major hurdles to its clinical usage. In light of the failures of neuroprotective therapies in clinical trials, emerging concepts suggest that neuroprotection alone without restoration of tissue perfusion and vascular integrity may not be adequate for treatment of acute stroke. Here we review evidence of the use of adjuvant pharmacological agents to extend the therapeutic window for tPA via targeting the neurovascular unit and the underlying mechanisms of the combination therapy in experimental stroke.
The New Jersey Takeover Legislation: Help or Hindrance to Improvement in Troubled School Districts.

It started in New Jersey in 1988 when the state's department of education took over the Jersey City Public Schools. At the time of the Jersey City takeover, the school system was, by all accounts, among the worst in the Garden State. Now takeover legislation is on the books in nine states, and legislation is pending elsewhere. Does handing over the reins—after a lengthy monitoring process—lead to significant improvements in student achievement and school system operation? In short, is takeover an effective means of school reform? This article traces the three-year road leading to state takeover in Jersey City and questions the wisdom of New Jersey's aproach in failing districts.