cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electric-field dependence of the laser-induced holographic grating relaxation of a photorefractive polymer

ABSTRACT Laser induced holographic grating relaxation (HGR), electro-optical (EO) and second harmonicgeneration (SHG) studies have been carried out in a guest/host system subject to an external electricfield with and without the presence of a hole transport agent. The guest is NNI, which has moderatesecond order nonlinear optical (NW) coefficient, the host is PMMA and the hole transport agentis DEH. (See the text for the exact names of the acronyms.) In the presence of DEH, the lifetimeof the cis isomer of NNI detected by using the HGR technique is lengthened by the application ofan electric field of moderate strength. The field dependence effect is not observed when DEH isabsent in the sample. The result is interpreted as due to the stabilization of the cis-isomer by the electric field polarized DEH. The data obtained from SHG and EO measurements appear tocorroborate the HGR result. 1. INTRoDuCTIoN Laser induced holographic grating relaxation (HGR) is a powerful technique for the investigationof the dynamic processes involving the photochromous dye molecules dispersed in a polymer host.The technique involves first creating amplitude or phase gratings (holograms) by the interferenceof two intersecting coherent laser beams in the photochromous material. The gratings are inducedand recorded (and subsequently altered or erased) in "real time" without intermediate developmentsteps as is required for hologram recording in photographic emulsions. The state of holograms canbe read out simultaneously by one of the original recording beams or by an additional beam. These
The risk of secondary malignancies over 30 years after the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

BACKGROUND Survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are at increased risk for developing secondary malignancies. For the current study, the authors quantitated this risk in a group of NHL survivors over 30 years of follow-up. METHODS Standardized incidence ratios (observed-to-expected [O/E] ratio) and absolute excess risk of secondary malignancies were assessed in 77,876 patients who were diagnosed with NHL between 1973 and 2001 from centers that participated in the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. RESULTS There were 5638 patients who developed secondary malignancies, significantly more than the endemic rate (O/E, 1.14; P<.001). Overall, irradiated patients had a similar risk of secondary malignancies compared with unirradiated patients (relative risk, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-1.10; P = .21). Irradiated patients had excess risk for sarcomas, breast cancers, and mesothelioma compared with unirradiated survivors (P<.05). Patients age <25 years at the time of their NHL diagnosis had the highest relative increased risk (no radiation: O/E, 2.1; P<.05; radiation: O/E, 4.51; P<.05). Overall, no statistical difference was observed for secondary cancer incidence between females and males (O/E, 1.12 vs. 1.15, respectively). Female survivors of NHL were less likely to develop breast cancer than the general population (O/E, 0.85; P<.05), but women age <25 years at the time of their NHL diagnosis were more likely to develop breast cancer (no radiation: O/E, 2.1; P<.05; radiation: O/E, 4.51; P<.05). CONCLUSIONS The overall risk of secondary malignancies was increased for NHL survivors and varied according to age at NHL diagnosis, gender, and treatment. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Experimental characterization on high contrast grating reflectivity

Reflectivity of high contrast subwavelength grating (HCG) is experimentally characterized with the HCG being top reflector in an all-pass-filter cavity. Large fabrication tolerance of HCG is demonstrated. Good agreement is achieved between experiment and simulation.
Conversational sequences and preference for indirect speech acts

Two experiments are reported examining people's preferences for indirect speech acts in making requests in conversation. We investigated the effect of pre‐requests (e.g., “Do you sell Marlboros?”) which prepares the addressee for an upcoming request, (e.g., “I'll take two packs”). We hypothesized that pre‐requests function to remove any obstacles to compliance for the addressee and predicted that speakers would produce different kinds of request forms in situations where a pre‐request has been made than in contexts where pre‐requests were not present. The results of Experiment 1 showed this to be true for both service encounters and detour situations where a speaker must interrupt the ongoing activities of the addressee to insert the request. In Experiment 2 subjects read and ranked different conversational sequences used in making indirect requests. The data indicated that in both service encounters and detour situations subjects most prefer conversations where the addressee in tum offers to fulfill the ...
The Epidemiology of Nonspecific Psychological Distress in New York City, 2002 and 2003

The 30-day prevalence of nonspecific psychological distress (NPD) is 3%, nationwide. Little is known about the prevalence and correlates of NPD in urban areas. This study documents the prevalence of NPD among adults in New York City (NYC) using population-based data from the 2002 and 2003 NYC Community Health Surveys (CHS) and identifies correlates of NPD in this population. We examined two cross-sectional random-digit-dialed telephone surveys of NYC adults (2002: N = 9,764; 2003: N = 9,802). Kessler's K6 scale was used to measure NPD. Age-adjusted 30-day prevalence of NPD declined from 6.4% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 5.8–7.0] in 2002 to 5.1% [95% CI: 4.5–5.6] in 2003. New Yorkers who were poor, in poor health, chronically unemployed, uninsured, and formerly married had the highest prevalence of NPD. Declines occurred among those who were married, white, recently unemployed, and female. NPD prevalence in NYC is higher than national estimates. A stronger economy and recovery from September 11th attacks may have contributed to the 2003 decline observed among selected subgroups. The excess prevalence of NPD may be associated with substantial economic and societal burden. Research to understand the etiology of this high prevalence and interventions to promote mental health in NYC are indicated.
Diode laser wavelength modulated spectroscopy of I2 at 675 nm

Abstract A free-running diode laser has been used to examine the spectrum of 127 I 2 near 675 nm using wavelength modulation spectroscopy. Twelve transitions have been observed in the region between 14818.0 and 14819.3 cm −1 , all of which are accounted for by previously published constants. Changes in quadrupole coupling constants, Δ eQq , have been determined for all lines. Pressure broadening and shift coefficients have been determined for two unblended lines for broadening by air, argon, and water vapor.
Instrumentation and action spectra in light-associated diseases

Instrumentation for studying action spectra in controls and various light-associated diseases is described. This study summarizes tests performed with a prism grating monochromator during the last 10 yr. There were 68 photodermatoses studied: xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) (1), lupus erythematosus (LE) (12), polymorphous light eruption (PLE) (23), solar urticaria (4), actinic reticuloid (2), halogenated salicylanilide photosensitivity and persistent light reactors (11), psoralen photosensitivity (6), and porphyria (9). A normal minimal erythema dose in the UVB (below 320 nm) was generally observed in polymorphous light eruption and lupus erythematosus. The most exquisite photosensitivity for delayed erythema was observed in actinic reticuloid, which in one case was 25-35 times more sensitive in the UVB range which was also observed but to a lesser extent in XP and in persistent light reactors. Persistence of erythema and edema at test sites was observed in XP, PLE, LE, and actinic reticuloid. A delay in development of erythema reaching a maximum at 72 hr was observed in XP and psoralen phototoxicity. Maximum photosensitivity occurred in solar urticaria. Three patients had peak sensitivity in the range of 310-313 nm and the 4th at 460 nm. Photosensitivity in the visible range was detected in 2 patients with solar urticaria, one with actinic reticuloid, and confirmed in 9 patients with porphyria (405 nm). Photosensitivity in the UVA (above 320 nm) occurred to some degree in all groups.
NEGRO-WHITE DIFFERENCES IN ADOLESCENT EDUCATIONAL GROWTH1

In contrast to past studies of Negro-white differences, most of which have been cross-sectional in design, this study compared longitudinally the academic growth of Negro and white students who attended the same high schools and were enrolled in the same curricula. As participants in a nationwide study of academic growth the students had taken a battery of ability and achievement tests in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11. At grade 5 the Negro students were one to two years behind the white students and on most tests–but not all–the gap increased over time. Analyses of covariance indicated, however, that usually the gap was no more than would be predicted on the basis of the initial differences in mean scores between the groups. The groups also differed appreciably in socioeconomic status.
Bridges, Barriers, and Gaps: Research and Policy

Like many other scholars of international relations (IR), Alexander George was concerned with both understanding the world and improving policy. This double focus presents opportunities and difficulties. Among the latter are the influences of our theories and our policy preferences on each other and the possibility that theories can become either self-fulfilling or self-denying prophecies. Less abstractly, following George we then examine prescriptions for better policymaking procedures. This area is plagued by motivated biases because decision makers are responding to powerful political pressures and psychological needs, which means that there are good reasons for them to reject the procedures that scholars advocate. By contrast, unmotivated biases are at work when decision makers adopt inappropriate short-cuts to rationality, and here scholars' help may be more welcome. Furthermore, good social science methods can produce better decisions. But the flow of ideas is not simply one way. In the areas of coercion and cooperation, scholars and officials have much to teach each other.
Transcriptional Repression of the Rat Osteocalcin Gene by δEF1

Intron I of the rat osteocalcin gene contains silencer elements that suppress osteocalcin-reporter fusion gene transcription. The consensus sequence for the transcription factor δEF1 is homologous to two pyrimidine-rich repeats in intron 1 that contribute to silencing of osteocalcin-reporter fusion genes. To assess if overexpression of δEF1 augments transcriptional repression by these sequences, the intron 1 sequences (wtS) were placed upstream to the native rat osteocalcin promoter fused to a luciferase reporter gene (-306-OCluc). Coexpression of the wtS-(-306-OCluc) fusion gene with δEF1 decreased luciferase activity 30% relative to cotransfection with empty vector. Repression was abolished by point mutations in the putative δEF1 motifs, mS-(-306-OCluc). To determine whether δEF1 binds to these DNA sequences, gel retardation assays were performed using oligonucleotides containing the putative osteocalcin δEF1 motifs and a classical δEF1 motif, as radiolabeled probes. A comigrating DNA-protein complex ge...
Synthesis of Pentafluorophenylalanine

OUR interest in fluorine-containing α-amino-acids1–3 has led us to an investigation of the chemistry of β-pentafluorophenylalanine (I). We wish to report here the synthesis of this novel amino-acid by two different routes. (In a personal communication, Dr. P. L. Coe, University of Birmingham, England, has informed us that he has prepared compound I in impure form by means of the azlactone route. Preliminary tests with several micro-organisms indicated that the amino-acid was inactive.)
Cancer chemoprevention through dietary antioxidants: progress and promise.

It is estimated that nearly one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented through appropriate dietary modification. Various dietary antioxidants have shown considerable promise as effective agents for cancer prevention by reducing oxidative stress which has been implicated in the development of many diseases, including cancer. Therefore, for reducing the incidence of cancer, modifications in dietary habits, especially by increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, are increasingly advocated. Accumulating research evidence suggests that many dietary factors may be used alone or in combination with traditional chemotherapeutic agents to prevent the occurrence of cancer, their metastatic spread, or even to treat cancer. The reduced cancer risk and lack of toxicity associated with high intake of fruits and vegetables suggest that specific concentrations of antioxidant agents from these dietary sources may produce cancer chemopreventive effects without causing...
The Status of Women and Jews in Moses Mendelssohn's Social Contract Theory: An Exceptional Case1

In part taking up Steven Achheim's call not to retrospectively essentialize the terms Deutschtum and Judentum but, rather, to think them in their “co-constitutionality”, I argue that such re-reading points not only to the ways in which a “minority” culture helped shape a “majority” culture in the past, but forward to the claims of contemporary critical political and cultural theory as well. Instead of reading Moses Mendelssohn—the main focus of this essay—as an accommodator to German enlightenment mandates who simply traded Jewish autonomy for civil emancipation, therefore, I suggest re-reading his Liberal social contract theory in light of contemporary feminist and critical political thought in order to gain a better sense of its novelty and, even, radicality, as well as of how it may provide an alternative, if still imperfect, model of critically thinking together the terms “gender,”“Jewishness,” and “emancipation.”
Burn and wound care

Despite significant improvements in public and private safety prevention programs, trauma remains address the unique demands encountered in providing care to burn-injured patients. Topics addressed the leading cause of death in people between the ages of 1 and 44 years [1]. Burn injuries are included in the statistics of trauma incidence because, in most scenarios, burn injuries are considered preventable. According to the American Burn Association (ABA), each year in the United States approximately 1.1 million burn injuries require medical attention, and approximately 50,000 of these require hospitalization [2]. In 2001, 3745 individuals’ deaths were related to burn injuries, excluding the 2451 persons who lost their lives in the September 11th tragedy [3]. Despite these sobering facts, efforts to increase awareness of fire prevention and the management of burn-injured victims is resulting in improved patient survival. Since 1980 there has been a 42% decrease in the number of fires and a 49% decrease in the number of firerelated civilian fatalities [3]. Significant changes in the delivery of burn care have been responsible for the improved survival of this group of trauma victims. The ABA and the American College of Surgeons developed the National TRACS/American Burn Association Burn Registry and ABA Verification Program in 1996 [4]. Efforts from this joint effort established specialized burn treatment facilities in all areas of the United States. Nurses are a vital part of the team meeting the needs of burn-injured patients. In this issue expert authors
Chapter 3: Choosing the Important Outcomes for a Systematic Review of a Medical Test

In this chapter of the Evidence-based Practice Centers Methods Guide for Medical Tests, we describe how the decision to use a medical test generates a broad range of outcomes and that each of these outcomes should be considered for inclusion in a systematic review. Awareness of these varied outcomes affects how a decision maker balances the benefits and risks of the test; therefore, a systematic review should present the evidence on these diverse outcomes. The key outcome categories include clinical management outcomes and direct health effects; emotional, social, cognitive, and behavioral responses to testing; legal and ethical outcomes, and costs. We describe the challenges of incorporating these outcomes in a systematic review, suggest a framework for generating potential outcomes for inclusion, and describe the role of stakeholders in choosing the outcomes for study. Finally, we give examples of systematic reviews that either included a range of outcomes or that might have done so. The following are the key messages in this chapter: Consider both the outcomes that are relevant to the process of testing and those that are relevant to the results of the test. Consider inclusion of outcomes in all five domains: clinical management effects, direct test effects; emotional, social, cognitive and behavioral effects; legal and ethical effects, and costs. Consider to which group the outcomes of testing are most relevant. Given resource limitations, prioritize which outcomes to include. This decision depends on the needs of the stakeholder(s), who should be assisted in prioritizing the outcomes for inclusion.
Position in the Economic Structure and Unexpected Retirement

While some workers retire at the time and in the way they have planned, others leave the labor force unexpectedly, unprepared for retirement. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether certain indicators of position in the economic structure affect the probability of leaving the labor force when planned. Data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Mature Men were used for the analysis. The results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that all three indicators of economic position-occupational status, industrial sector, and self-employment-had significant net effects on the dichotomous dependent variable, expected/unexpected retirement. These effects were mediated, to varying degrees, by pension coverage and health status, the former increasing the chances of retiring when planned, the latter decreasing the probability of retiring when planned. Other research shows that those who retire unexpectedly are less financially prepared for retirement and have lower evaluations of retirement.
Distribution of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the water column and sediments of a drinking water reservoir with respect to boating activity

Abstract The potential impact of motorboat activity on a major drinking water reservoir was evaluated. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in water and sediment samples at both marina and nonmarina sites during peak boating activity in June 1990 and during low boating activity in October 1990. Total PAH concentration contour plots and statistical analyses were used to determine the impacts of boating activity. Total PAH concentrations of ⩽4 μg/l were present in the water during peak boating activity, but aqueous PAHs were not detected during low boating activity. PAHs were detected in the sediments during both sampling periods; sediment concentrations for total PAHs were generally
Neurocognitive performance of methamphetamine users discordant for history of marijuana exposure

Abuse of the stimulant drug methamphetamine is associated with neural injury and neuropsychological (NP) deficits, while the residual effects of marijuana use remain uncertain. We sought to determine if methamphetamine dependent persons who also met criteria for marijuana abuse or dependence evidenced different NP performance than those with dependence for methamphetamine alone. We examined three groups that did not differ significantly on important demographic factors: (1) subjects with a history of methamphetamine dependence and history of marijuana abuse/dependence (METH+/MJ+, n=27); (2) methamphetamine dependent subjects without history of marijuana abuse/dependence (METH+/MJ-, n=26); (3) a control group with minimal or no drug use (n=41). A comprehensive NP battery was administered and performance was quantified for five cognitive ability areas. The METH+/MJ- group generally demonstrated the greatest NP impairment, with statistically significant differences observed between the METH+/MJ- and control group in learning, retention/retrieval, and a summary score of global NP performance. The METH+/MJ+ group did not differ significantly from the control or METH+/MJ- group on any NP ability. However, there was a significant linear trend in the global NP score suggesting that the METH+/MJ+ performed intermediate to the control and METH+/MJ- groups. Based on these findings, we cannot conclude that there is a protective effect of marijuana use in methamphetamine users; however, marijuana use clearly did not appear to exacerbate methamphetamine neurotoxicity. Further investigations are needed to determine if the emerging literature, suggesting that certain cannabinoids might have neuroprotective actions, is generalizable to community-dwelling substance abusers.
An in-depth look at distal Sierra Nevada palaeochannel fill: drill cores through the Table Mountain Latite near Knights Ferry

The ∼10.4 Ma Table Mountain Latite (TML) consists of high-K trachyandesite lavas that likely erupted from the Little Walker Center near Sonora Pass and flowed 80 miles (130 km) through the palaeo-Stanislaus river channel to Knights Ferry in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Complete sections through the proximal facies of the flow stratigraphy are common in the high-Sierra and along range-front faults, but in much of its distal facies in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the internal features of the unit are poorly exposed. Condor Earth Technologies offered us the opportunity to study three complete vertical sections through the distal facies of the TML through access to three drill cores. These cores, spaced 1500′ (457 m) apart and oriented oblique to inferred flow direction by 30°, are referred to here as cores A, B, and C, in a down-palaeoflow direction. Previous outcrop studies of the distal TML over the past century have concluded that the distal TML consists of a single flow. This is true of core B, which is ...
Analyzing Campus Climate Studies: Seeking to Define and Understand

The term campus climate has become commonplace within higher education. However, there is little consensus on how best to define and measure it. Our study is a qualitative content analysis of 118 campus climate studies. Guided by the conceptual understanding of campus climate put forth by Peterson and Spencer (1990), we explore the nature of campus climate research based upon studies found in a clearinghouse database of faculty campus climate studies. We found that those conducting studies are most often institutional employees. There was no standardization of design or instrumentation in these studies. Studies did not rely on a single definition of campus climate or on any set of best practices for assessing campus climate. Additionally, studies explored various aspects and constituents of the campus—both in and out of the classroom, and for the working environment for faculty and students and occasionally staff and administrators. Implications and specific recommendations for conducting campus climate research based upon extant literature and on findings from the study are included.
ELEVATED SERUM LEVELS OF p105erbB-2 IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED-STAGE PROSTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA

Expression of a truncated or extracellular form (p105erbB-2) of p185erbB-2 has been demonstrated in the sera of breast cancer patients. We examined the levels of p105erbB-2 in the sera of patients with various stages of prostatic adenocarcinoma, in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and in a series of control male patients hospitalized for illnesses unrelated to the prostate. p105erbB-2 levels did not differ between the controls and BPH patients or between these groups and patients with stage A, B or C adenocarcinomas. In contrast, serum p105erbB-2 levels of patients with stage D adenocarcinomas were significantly elevated when compared with either control or BPH patients. There was no correlation between PSA and p105erbB-2 levels among controls, patients with BPH or patients with prostate cancer. Patients with poorly differentiated tumors (combined Gleason score >7) or moderately differentiated tumors (combined Gleason score 5–7) had higher p105erbB-2 levels as compared to patients with well-differentiated tumors (combined Gleason score <5), though this difference was not statistically significant. There was no correlation between serum p105erbB-2 levels and p185erbB-2 expression in malignant tissue, as determined by immunohistochemistry. However, patients with moderate to strong expression of p185erbB-2 within the adenocarcinomas were approximately 4 times more likely to demonstrate elevated serum p105erbB-2 levels as compared with patients with low expression of p185erbB-2. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cartoon violence and aggression in youth

This manuscript reviews the literature concerning the effects of animated violence on aggressive behavior in youth. It begins with an overview of the research on children's and adolescents' perceptions of violence in cartoons. Next, the effects of cartoon violence on aggressive behavior across development are reviewed. In each section, the importance of the presence (or absence) of comedic elements in animated violence is addressed. Moreover, throughout the review, the potential influence of development is considered. Finally, a potential mechanism for reducing the negative influence of cartoon violence on youth is considered.
Prevalence and determinants of type 2 diabetes among Filipino-Americans in the Houston, Texas metropolitan statistical area.

OBJECTIVE —The few available studies suggest that Filipino-Americans have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes and its major risk factors among Filipino-Americans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Houston, Texas, metropolitan statistical area between September 1998 and March 2000. The convenience sample included 831 Filipino-American participants aged 20–74 years. The major risk factors assessed were age, sex, family history of diabetes, socioeconomic status, obesity (BMI >30), physical inactivity, acculturation, region of birth and, in women, history of gestational diabetes and delivery of a baby weighing >9 lb. RESULTS —Overall prevalence was estimated to be 16.1% (95% CI 13.5–18.7). Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent risk factors: increasing age from ages 35–44 years (odds ratio [OR] 5.6, 95% CI 1.5–20.5) to 65–74 years (34.2, 7.2–163.0); male sex (1.8, 1.1–32.1); family history of diabetes (4.7, 2.6–8.5); obesity (3.6, 1.4–9.0); region of birth, Mindanao (3.2, 1.3–7.7); and, among women, gestational diabetes (21.7, 6.7–69.7) and low income (5.3, 1.4–20.2). CONCLUSIONS —The study observed a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes and supports earlier studies suggesting that Filipinos are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes than the U.S. non-Hispanic white population.
Digital radiography using storage phosphor technology: How computed radiography acquires data

HIS ARTICLE discusses the technical background of digital radiography based on storage phosphor technology. The initial x-rayproduced data are captured on an imaging plate, then extracted from this plate by the image plate reader. The extracted data then are converted into digital form so that computer-based image processing can be performed. The transformed image data are then either displayed on a workstation or printed onto film using a laser film printer. These steps in the creation of a digital radiograph are discussed sequentially. Image processing is discussed in greater detail in the article that follows this one.
The 19‐residue pro‐peptide of staphylococcal nuclease has a profound secretion‐enhancing ability in Escherichia coli

Staphylococcus aureus secretes two forms of extracellular nuclease, nuclease A and nuclease B. Nuclease A, consisting of 149 residues, is a proteolytic product of nuclease B, which is a processing intermediate that has a 19-residue N-terminal pro-peptide between the signal peptide and nuclease A. It has been shown that nuclease A can be secreted by Escherichia coli by fusing it to the OmpA signal peptide. We now demonstrate that the addition of the pro-peptide between the OmpA signal peptide and nuclease A leads to a significantly enhanced secretion rate in E. coli. The processing and secretion rates of nuclease B at 37 degrees C were at least 10 times faster than those of nuclease A. Nuclease B was also secreted efficiently under conditions which blocked the secretion of nuclease A, such as secA mutations and the addition of phenethyl alcohol or sodium azide. This enhancing effect of the pro-peptide was not as striking when it was attached to beta-lactamase, indicating that the pro-peptide acts as a specific secretion enhancer for nuclease A. Equilibrium circular dichroism on purified nuclease A and nuclease B indicated that the pro-peptide itself had no significant destabilizing effect on the mature protein. The existence of similar pro-peptides in Gram-positive bacterial secretory proteins indicates that they may also serve as secretion enhancers for individual proteins.
On the Length of Codes with a Given Covering Radius

We further develop techniques for showing the non-existence of short codes with a given covering radius. In particular we show that there does not exist a code of codimension 11 and covering radius 2 which has length 64. We conclude with a table which gives the best available information for the length of a code with codimension m and covering radius r for 2 ≤ m ≤ 24 and 2 ≤ r ≤ 24.
The struggle for existence. How the notion of carrying capacity, K, obscures the links between demography, Darwinian evolution and speciation

Question: Population ecology and population genetics are treated separately in most textbooks. However, Darwin’s term the ‘struggle for existence’ included both natural selection and ecological competition. Using the simplest possible mathematical models, this paper searches for historical reasons for the lack of unity in ecological and evolutionary thought. Assumptions and methods: Logistic density-dependent population growth and Lotka-Volterra competition models are used throughout. Derivations of the logistic from first principles of resource use, competition for space, and births and deaths of individuals are documented. A full range of possible kinds of natural selection, including constant selection, density- and frequency-dependent selection, as well as hard and soft selection, can emerge cleanly as natural outcomes from the simplest-imaginable haploid models derived from Lotka-Volterra competition. Extensions to incorporate more realism, including non-linear per capita density dependence, Allee effects, complex life histories, discrete generations, diploid Mendelian genetics, sexual populations, and speciation are briefly discussed. Conclusions: Widespread use of r-K (‘carrying capacity’) models of population growth appears to have catalysed fundamental discords in ecology, and between ecology and evolution. Verhulst’s original polynomial form of the logistic, here termed the r-α model, is both more natural in theory, and accords better with empirical data. The r-α formulation explains apparent paradoxes involving the r-K logistic, including controversial aspects of r- and K-selection. Adoption of first-principles birth–death or r-α modelling clarifies natural selection in density-regulated populations, and leads to an improved understanding of Darwinian evolution and speciation.
The Philanthropic Giving Index: A New Indicator of the Climate for Raising Funds

In January 1997, the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy initiated work on a semiannual study of the climate for philanthropic gifts and fund-raising in the United States. This study led to the semiannual publication of the Philanthropic Giving Index (PGI). The PGI measures the climate for philanthropic giving in much the same way that the Consumer Confidence Index assesses the environment for consumer purchases. The PGI focuses on current and expected donor behavior. The authors believe that the PGI will make an important contribution to the field by focusing on current and expected donor behavior. Other available major sources of information on giving focus on past donations, involve significant time lags, and do not attempt to tie donative behavior to solicitation strategies. This research details the methods used to construct the PGI, to select our expert panel, and to form the various subindexes. Next, the potential uses for PGI in research studies is described.
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Earthquake-induced Liquefaction Features with Ground Penetrating Radar Near Marianna, Arkansas

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a powerful tool used to study earthquake-related features such as sand blows and faults. The study area is near Marianna, Arkansas, and the work involves GPR surveys of large elliptical sand deposits. Our primary goal was to locate feeder dikes of sand blows and to image the contact between sand blows and the buried paleosurface in order to optimize the location of trenches. A secondary goal was to image the sand blows in three dimensions to define their sizes and morphology. Trenching large sand blows is costly and provides a limited view of the overall structure. GPR helps to identify possible locations for the venting dikes and to visualize the subsurface features. It also helps to map the locations in the sand blows of tree stumps that are useful for dating. The surveys imaged sharp contacts in near-surface sediments that were confirmed in trenches to represent boundaries between sand blows and buried soils. One survey in particular showed a sharp discontinuity in the boundary related to a large feeder dike. Because sand thickness was no more than 4 m, a 400 MHz antenna was used. This antenna is designed to provide high-resolution images of the upper 5 m of soil. Data acquisition was along parallel profiles oriented normal to the long axes of the sand deposits at all sites. Data reduction and analysis procedures included removal of direct and ground surface effects, frequency filtration, gain control, profile migration, and three-dimensional visualization. In future work, we plan to refine field procedures and test additional survey configurations to ensure the best results. We will survey additional sites to help with the follow-up trenching and sampling work.
SeqWare Query Engine: storing and searching sequence data in the cloud

Background Since the introduction of next-generation DNA sequencers the rapid increase in sequencer throughput, and associated drop in costs, has resulted in more than a dozen human genomes being resequenced over the last few years. These efforts are merely a prelude for a future in which genome resequencing will be commonplace for both biomedical research and clinical applications. The dramatic increase in sequencer output strains all facets of computational infrastructure, especially databases and query interfaces. The advent of cloud computing, and a variety of powerful tools designed to process petascale datasets, provide a compelling solution to these ever increasing demands.
Role of the sympathetic nervous system in acute pain and inflammation

The sympathetic nervous system serves not only to regulate involuntary functions, but also appears to play an important part in modulating sensory processing. While studies in animal models of neuropathic pain and clinical observations point to a role of the sympathetic nervous system in certain chronic pain states, the function of the sympathetics in postoperative pain and inflammation is debatable. Behavioural studies in rats point to a contribution of the sympathetic postganglionic terminal in the hyperalgesia of cutaneous inflammation and the severity of arthritis. An indirect effect of noradrenaline and inflammatory mediators via the release of prostaglandins has been postulated. Neurophysiological studies of nociceptors in rats and psychophysical studies in humans have failed to provide confirmatory evidence for the role of the sympathetic efferents in inflammatory pain and hyperalgesia. The clinical significance of the potential interaction of the sympathetic nervous system and the somatic afferent system needs further investigation.
Rhyolites and their Source Mushes across Tectonic Settings

Evolved magmas, including highly explosive rhyolites, are mainly generated by extraction of viscous melts from solid residues either in (1) partial melting zones within the crust (dominantly up-temperature evolution with newly formed silicic melt), or in (2) long-lived crystallizing mush zones fed by mafic to intermediate magmas (dominantly down-temperature evolution with residual silicic melt). Although both processes undoubtedly occur and are generally coupled, allowing for mixing between mantle and crustal components, we argue that combined field, thermal, geochemical, and geophysical observations favor residual melt extraction from crystalline mushes as the likely scenario in all tectonic settings. Depending on the main melting process in the mantle, two end-member differentiation trends occur: (1) a dry lineage leading to hot-reduced rhyolites and granites in magmatic provinces fueled by decompression melting of the mantle; (2) a wet lineage leading to cold-oxidized rhyolites and granites in subduction zones dominated by flux melting of the mantle.
A Comparison of Constant Time Delay and Simultaneous Prompting Within Embedded Instruction in General Education Classes with Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities

An adapted alternating treatment design was used to measure the effectiveness of constant time delay and simultaneous prompting procedures within an embedded instruction format on the acquisition of academic skills. Four middle school students with moderate to severe disabilities and the paraprofessionals who supported these students in their general education classes participated in the study. The results of the study indicated that both procedures were effective in promoting the acquisition of the target skills. However, the constant time delay procedure was more effective for two of the students and the simultaneous prompting procedure was more effective for the remaining students. Results are discussed in terms of future research and implications for supporting the inclusion of students with moderate and severe disabilities in general education classes.
Ultranear testing in accommodative esotropia.

PurposeTo determine if patients with accommodative esotropia controlled with glasses maintain ocular alignment at viewing distances less than 1/3 m.DesignProspective case-control study.MethodsThirt...
A preliminary systems analysis of impacts of proposed Soviet River diversions on Arctic sea ice

Vast river diversion projects could be under construction by the end of the century in the USSR and ultimately reach several hundred cubic kilometers annually. The most seriously considered would take water from major Arctic draining rivers (Ob, Yenisey, Pechora, and Northern Dvina) and transfer it to western and southern regions of need (Figures 1 and 2). These grandiose undertakings would result in significant hydrologic, climatic, cryogenic, biotic, pedologic, and geomorphic changes. Most of these would be of local or regional scale and confined to the Soviet Union [Micklin, 1979]. However, some macroscale alterations with international implications are possible. Of these, modifications in the sea ice cover of the Arctic Ocean that are induced by diminution of freshwater discharge are the most serious. Sea ice plays a key role in the Arctic mass and energy budgets, diminishing water vapor, heat, and momentum exchange between the ocean and atmosphere and affecting pressure and circulation patterns over the entire Northern Hemisphere [Budyko, 1974; Lamb, 1978; Flohn, 1979]. Significant alterations in its extent, thickness, concentration, duration, and distribution would have important consequences not only for Arctic but Northern Hemisphere climate.
Water or Slime?: A Platform for Automating Water Treatment Systems

We introduce a control system we call AWESOME, which is a platform for improving efficiency in water treatment systems. In this work, we study water softeners, which are a primary source of Chloride ion pollution in effluent sewage water. When water softeners regenerate, they dump large volumes of salt and water down the drain. Existing water softeners use open-loop controllers that do not include water quality sensors to trigger regeneration. As a result, they generally regenerate too frequently, wasting salt and water and polluting the environment. AWESOME aims to reduce the frequency of water softener regenerations by sensing water quality and applying domain knowledge to trigger regenerations at optimal times. The sensor readings, which may be noisy or inaccurate, are processed by backend algorithms to accurately predict when regeneration is required. In a pilot deployment on the UW campus, AWESOME decreased salt consumption by an average of 27%, saving $5240 in the first year after installation.
The mechanics of American football cleats on natural grass and infill-type artificial playing surfaces with loads relevant to elite athletes

This study quantified the mechanical interactions of 19 American football cleats with a natural grass and an infill-type artificial surface under loading conditions designed to represent play-relevant manoeuvres of elite athletes. Variation in peak forces and torques was observed across cleats when tested on natural grass (2.8–4.2 kN in translation, 120–174 Nm in rotation). A significant (p < 0.05) relationship was found between the peak force and torque on natural grass. Almost all of the cleats caused shear failure of the natural surface, which generated a divot following a test. This is a force-limiting cleat release mode. In contrast, all but one of the cleat types held fast in the artificial turf, resulting in force and torque limited by the prescribed input load from the test device (nom. 4.8 kN and 200 Nm). Only one cleat pattern, consisting of small deformable nubs, released on the artificial surface and generated force (3.9 kN) comparable to the range observed with natural grass. These findings (...
A target identification comparison of Bayesian and Dempster-Shafer multisensor fusion

This paper demonstrates how Bayesian and evidential reasoning can address the same target identification problem involving multiple levels of abstraction, such as identification based on type, class, and nature. In the process of demonstrating target identification with these two reasoning methods, we compare their convergence time to a long run asymptote for a broad range of aircraft identification scenarios that include missing reports and misassociated reports. Our results show that probability theory can accommodate all of these issues that are present in dealing with uncertainty and that the probabilistic results converge to a solution much faster than those of evidence theory.
A comparison of valproate with carbamazepine for the treatment of complex partial seizures and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults. The Department of Veterans Affairs Epilepsy Cooperative Study No. 264 Group

Abstract Background. Valproate is approved for use primarily in patients with absence seizures, but the drug has a broad spectrum of activity against seizures of all types. Partial or secondarily generalized tonic—clonic seizures are often difficult to control adequately with standard treatment, usually carbamazepine or phenytoin. Methods. We conducted a multicenter, double-blind trial that compared valproate with carbamazepine in the treatment of 480 adults with complex partial seizures (206 patients) or secondarily generalized tonic—clonic seizures (274 patients). The patients were randomly assigned to treatment with carbamazepine or divalproex sodium (valproate) at doses adjusted to achieve blood levels in the middle of the therapeutic range. Patients were followed for one to five years or until seizures became uncontrollable, treatment had unacceptable adverse effects, or both these events occurred. Results. For the control of secondarily generalized tonic—clonic seizures, carbamazepine and valproate ...
PO-0912 Short Bowel State: Does Autologous Gastrointestinal Reconstruction Reduce Catheter-related Blood Stream Infections?

Background and aims Catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI) occur frequently in Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) children on parenteral nutrition (PN). Central venous catheter (CVC) complication and complete loss of central venous access are indication for intestinal transplantation. Autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction surgery (AGIR) is mandatory in any chronically PN-dependent patient when there is substantial bowel dilation to reduce bacterial translocation. We reviewed patients who underwent lengthening surgery and calculated the rate of CRBSI pre and post surgery. Methods PN dependent children with SBS were identified. Inclusion criteria were CVC for PN administration pre and post-operatively, CVC removed after weaned off PN and having gained enteral autonomy. CRBSI episodes were defined as temperature above 38.0 °C, along with positive blood culture microbiological infection from the CVC. Results Nineteen patients were identified (male n = 13). Median gestation was 35 (33.5–36.5) completed weeks and birth weight 2080 g (1725–2374). Ten patients underwent tapering enteroplasty, eight Longitudinal Intestinal Lengthening and Tailoring (LILT) procedure, and one Serial Transverse Enteroplasty (STEP) procedure. Median duration of PN was 5.3 months (2.9–6.6) pre and 9.0 months (4.2–10.9) post surgery. A total of 115 septic episodes were confirmed (70 prior to surgery and 45 post surgery). The total rate of catheter related sepsis was significantly lower after AGIR compared to before it (p = 0.016). Conclusions CRBSI frequency in PN dependent patients with dilated bowel reduces after AGIR. AGIR appears associated with significantly reduced frequency of CRBSI in PN dependent children with bowel dilatation. These findings warrant further exploration in larger, preferably controlled studies.
The Bacterium Serotype and Virulence Gene Detection of Diarrhea Syndrome Caused by Diarrhea Escherichia Coli

Objective:To detect the serum type of diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli diarrhea syndrome and multiple PCR,understand the diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli serogroups,region based distribution,the correlation between virulence genes and their detection,identification,and provide scientific basis for diarrhea syndrome caused by large Escherichia coli,in order to improve the detection rate of positive strains.Method:The local diarrhea syndromic surveillance hospital unused,watery,sticky pus or purulent blood sample diluted by those bacteria,a variety of selective culture medium screening pathogen antibiotics in patients with diarrhea from 2012 to 2013,after biochemical test,multiple PCR test and serotype tests were identified.Result:65 strains serum agglutination of diarrheogenic Escherichia coli were detected and belong to EPEC,EIEC,ETEC,the EPEC accounted for 83.08%,a total of 8 serotypes,serotype O55:H59,O128:H67,which accounted for 58.47%; there were 4 kinds of virulence related genes,among them 49 were escV(75.38%).Serum without typing were 27 strains,5 species of virulence related genes were detected,which escV had 15 strain(55.56%),belong to EPEC,EIEC,ETEC,EAEC.Conclusion:Local serological diarrhea syndrome is caused by Escherichia coli EPEC,common serotypes are O55:H59,O128:H67; virulence genes are escV,escV+bfpB,invE,elt.Serum without typing diarrheogenic Escherichia coli virulence genes are escV,escV+bfpB,invE,elt,astA,and consistent with typing of strains carrying genes.Detection of Escherichia coli diarrhea patients,basal medium,in bacterial isolation and conventional biochemical tests,serological identification,virulence gene detection is necessary to Escherichia coli,in order to improve the positive rate,to avoid detection,improve the diagnosis of diarrhea genic Escherichia coli.