cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On (strong) α -favorability of the Vietoris hyperspace

For a normal space X, α (i.e. the nonempty player) having a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) in the strong Choquet game Ch(X) played on X is equivalent to α having a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) in the strong Choquet game played on the hyperspace CL(X) of nonempty closed subsets endowed with the Vietoris topology τV. It is shown that for a non-normal X where α has a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) in Ch(X), α may or may not have a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) in the strong Choquet game played on the Vietoris hyperspace. If X is quasi-regular, then having a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) for α in the Banach-Mazur game BM(X) played on X is sufficient for α having a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) in BM(CL(X), τV), but not necessary, not even for a separable metric X. In the absence of quasi-regularity of a space X where α has a winning strategy in BM(X), α may or may not have a winning strategy in the Banach-Mazur game played on the Vietoris hyperspace.
Debiasing social wisdom

With the explosive growth of social networks, many applications are increasingly harnessing the pulse of online crowds for a variety of tasks such as marketing, advertising, and opinion mining. An important example is the wisdom of crowd effect that has been well studied for such tasks when the crowd is non-interacting. However, these studies don't explicitly address the network effects in social networks. A key difference in this setting is the presence of social influences that arise from these interactions and can undermine the wisdom of the crowd [17]. Using a natural model of opinion formation, we analyze the effect of these interactions on an individual's opinion and estimate her propensity to conform. We then propose efficient sampling algorithms incorporating these conformity values to arrive at a debiased estimate of the wisdom of a crowd. We analyze the trade-off between the sample size and estimation error and validate our algorithms using both real data obtained from online user experiments and synthetic data.
Imaging of sports-related knee injuries.

This article reviewed the major sports medicine conditions affecting the knee and their MR imaging appearance. MR imaging of the knee is considered efficacious especially in the setting of indeterminate clinical findings and can stratify patients, guiding further surgical management. MR imaging affects the diagnosis and management of acute knee injury by improving clinician diagnostic certainty, assisting in management decisions, and decreasing the number of arthroscopic procedures. From a societal perspective, knee MR imaging can be considered a cost-effective modality when compared with diagnostic and borderline therapeutic arthroscopies (e.g., debridement alone). For these and other reasons, knee MR imaging has shown a substantially increased use for the evaluation of sports medicine conditions.
A comparison of public library use of statistics – a cross‐country survey report

Librarians have been involved in collecting and disseminating statistics for many years. Utilizing statistics to describe and assess the operation of library activities as a part of library tradition has received growing attention from researchers, policymakers, library managers, and professionals. However, few studies have investigated how statistics are used in libraries. This report compares directors’ uses of statistics provided by national agencies in the USA and China to highlight differences and similarities of the uses the two countries’ directors make of statistics and the statistical information that directors find particular useful. The results are intended to provide library administrators with an insight of how library statistics are used in the managerial process and may also help the national statistical providers to obtain an understanding of the characteristics and pattern of use of their products.
Corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking in male and female rats.

Significant sex differences have been demonstrated in clinical and preclinical studies of cocaine addiction, with some of the most consistent differences noted in regards to the role of stress and craving. The current study examined stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking in male and female rats in an animal model of relapse using corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) administration. Both male and female rats demonstrated increased cocaine seeking in response to CRF. CRF-induced reinstatement was highly variable across both male and female rats, and further analysis revealed a subpopulation that was particularly sensitive to CRF (high responders). Female high responders displayed significantly increased responding to CRF compared to males. Individual differences in stress responsivity could thus contribute to the likelihood of relapse, with females showing greater heterogeneity to stress-induced relapse.
SU-E-T-359: Forward / Backward Calibration and Clinical Application of a MLIC System for Uniform Scanning Proton Beam

Purpose: To describe the successive calibration steps and applications in clinical environment of a multi‐layered ion chamber (MLIC) system for uniform scanning proton beam. Methods: The MLIC system contains 180 independent planar, parallel plate air vented chambers. The active collective area is defined by a circular surface of 2.5cm diameter. A dedicated electrometer was used to collect readable counts produced in the different chambers. Uniformly scanned proton beams with various ranges have been delivered to the device with field sizes of 10*10 [cm*cm] projected at the iso‐center. The material composition of the device has been chosen in order to present equivalent scattering properties to water. The Water Equivalent Thickness (WET) of the device was fine‐tuned and the channel to channel variation corrected following a forward and backward calibration strategy. Various Pristine and Spread Out Bragg peaks of several ranges and modulations have been measured and compared to reference water scans to validate the calibration method. Results: The characteristic analyses of Pristine and spread‐out Bragg peak measurements show that MLIC measurements are in good agreement with requested ranges and modulations within sub‐millimeter accuracy. Additionally the system allows to choose the appropriate time resolution in order to timestamp each layer individually and to proceed further with a detailed analysis of the irradiation delivery. Conclusions: MLIC measurements with WET and relative variation calibration show accurate and time‐saving depth dose measurements. It can be concluded that the use of such a device in overall reduces the overall time of the commissioning process down to ∼10% of the necessary time with standard Water Phantom equipment.
Observations on the Nesting Ecology and Early Life History of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus)

Population studies of the dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus) suggest that fluctuations in the population dynamics of this lizard are driven by spatial and temporal variation in annual recruitment. Although variation in survival of eggs or embryos is known to contribute greatly to variation in annual recruitment in many other lizard species, little is known about these early life history stages and their contributions to the population dynamics of S. arenicolus. Here we describe the first 3 observations of nesting in the wild for S. arenicolus. All observations took place between 2005 and 2011 at Caprock Wildlife Area, 48 km east of Roswell, New Mexico. From these observations, we supplement existing knowledge of these early life history stages, which can inform working models of life history evolution for this lizard endemic to the Mescalero Sands and Monahans Sandhills ecosystems. RESUMEN.—Estudios poblacionales sobre las lagartijas Artemisa de las dunas (Sceloporus arenicolus) sugieren que las fluctuaciones en la dinamica poblacional de esta lagartija se deben a la variacion espacial y temporal en el reclu- tamiento anual. Aunque se conoce que la variacion en la supervivencia de huevos o embriones contribuye en gran medida a la variacion en el reclutamiento anual en muchas otras especies de lagartijas, poco se sabe sobre estos estadios tempranos de la historia de vida y sus contribuciones a la dinamica poblacional de S. arenicolus. Aqui describimos las primeras tres observaciones de anidaciones en zonas silvestres para S. arenicolus. Todas las observaciones tuvieron lugar entre 2005 y 2011 en el Area Silvestre de Caprock, 48 kilometros al este de Roswell, en Nuevo Mexico. Con estas obser- vaciones, podemos complementar el conocimiento existente sobre estas etapas tempranas de la historia de vida, que puede utilizarse para documentar los modelos de evolucion de la historia de vida de esta lagartija endemica a los ecosis- temas arenosos Mescalero y Monahans.
Predicting ambulation status one year after lower extremity bypass

Introduction Surgeons must weigh the morbidity of lower extremity bypass (LEB) with the likelihood of a functional outcome postoperatively. We developed a model to predict ambulation status 1 year after LEB. Methods We analyzed a prospective registry of 1561 LEB procedures performed for occlusive disease (2003-2005) in 1400 patients (50 surgeons, 11 hospitals). Ambulation status was assessed preoperatively, at discharge, and at 1-year by life-table analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine predictors of ambulation status 1 year postoperatively. Results The indication for surgery was claudication in 25% and critical limb ischemia (CLI) in 75%. Claudicant patients had higher primary (79% vs 73%, P Conclusions Ambulatory and independent living status are well preserved after LEB. Risk factors of age, preoperative ambulatory ability, independent living status, CLI, graft patency, and amputation help to predict ambulatory status 1 year postoperatively. The likelihood of death or nonambulatory status at 1 year was
Investigation of resonantly selected Raman spectra of intermediates in organic pyrolysis reactions

The usefulness of UV resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy in determining intermediate configurations in pyrolysis reactions was examined. We investigated the conformations of the nitrosoketene, E- and Z-isomers, generated via the pyrolysis of isonitroso Meldrum's acid by their characteristic vibrational wavenumbers. In this system, UVRR with 355 nm excitation worked exceptionally well to enhance selectively the nitrosoketene peaks. The signal was virtually free from other intermediates interferences, which was a major problem in IR spectroscopy. While both E- and Z-nitrosoketene were found as the intermediates of the isonitroso Meldrum's acid pyrolysis by UVRR, we consider that the observation of two isomers is due to their interconversions at 150 °C, based upon computational analysis. Therefore, spectroscopic information on a shorter time-scale is necessary to determine the intermediate configuration in pyrolysis reactions. This method will still be useful for monitoring reactions at low temperatures, which may not involve significant interconversions of isomers. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Honeywell gets smart

Describes Honeywell’s multi layer fieldbus system Smart Distributed System (SDS) and applications in various industries. Discusses benefits such as increased operating efficiencies and reduced installation costs
Recognition of base mismatches in DNA by 5,6-chrysenequinone diimine complexes of rhodium(III): a proposed mechanism for preferential binding in destabilized regions of the double helix.

5,6-Chrysenequinone diimine (chrysi) complexes of rhodium(III) have been shown to be versatile and specific recognition agents for mismatched base pairs in DNA. The design of these compounds was based on the hypothesis that the sterically expansive chrysi ligand, which should be too wide to readily intercalate into B-DNA, would bind preferentially in the destabilized regions of the DNA helix near base mismatches. In this work, this recognition hypothesis is comprehensively explored. Comparison of the recognition patterns of the complex [Rh(bpy)_2(chrysi)]^(3+) with a nonsterically demanding analogue, [Rh(bpy)_2(phi)]^(3+) (phi = 9,10-phenanthrenequinone diimine), demonstrates that the chrysi ligand does indeed disfavor binding to B-DNA and generate mismatch selectivity. Examination of mismatch recognition by [Rh(bpy)_2(chrysi)]^(3+) in both constant and variable sequence contexts using photocleavage assays indicates that the recognition of base mismatches is influenced by the amount that a mismatch thermodynamically destabilizes the DNA helix. Thermodynamic binding constants for the rhodium complex at a range of mismatch sites have been determined by quantitative photocleavage titration and yield values which vary from 1 × 10^6 to 20 × 10^6 M^(-1). These mismatch-specific binding affinities correlate with independent measurements of thermodynamic destabilization, supporting the hypothesis that helix destabilization is a factor determining the binding affinity of the metal complex for the mismatched site. Although not the only factor involved in the binding of [Rh(bpy)_2(chrysi)]^(3+) to mismatch sites, a model is proposed where helix destabilization acts as the “door” which permits access of the sterically demanding intercalator to the base stack.
British words on tape 1991: A directory of spoken word cassettes available in the UK

(1992). British words on tape 1991: A directory of spoken word cassettes available in the UK. Library Acquisitions: Practice & Theory: Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 194-195.
Early Motherhood and the Disruption in Significant Attachments: Autonomy and Reconnection as a Response to Separation and Loss Among African American and Latina Teen Mothers

Based on a qualitative study of 48 teenage mothers living in the Denver metropolitan area, this research examines the loss of multiple attachments, including mothers, siblings, and other extended family members and friends, among African American and Latina girls who become young mothers. Through life history narratives, this article explores the isolating effects of teen motherhood on the relational world of young mothers and the transition to “forced autonomy” that emerges out of the relationship strains in the teen mothers’ lives. Faced with ruptures in significant childhood attachments and strains in the mother–daughter bond, young mothers develop strategies of accommodation to cope with the disruptions to connectivity and the demands of forced autonomy that are the result of early motherhood. These findings are interpreted through the frame of self-in-relation theory as this theoretical perspective has been informed by the scholarship on race and ethnicity. In reengaging the discourse on race, class,...
Chemically triggered release of 5-aminolevulinic acid from liposomes

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), a prodrug of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), is used for photodynamic therapy of several medical conditions, and as an adjunct for fluorescence guided surgery. The clinical problem of patient photosensitivity after systemic administration could likely be ameliorated if the 5-ALA was delivered more selectivity to the treatment site. Liposomal formulations are inherently attractive as targeted delivery vehicles but it is hard to regulate the spatiotemporal release of aqueous contents from a liposome. Here, we demonstrate chemically triggered leakage of 5-ALA from stealth liposomes in the presence of cell culture. The chemical trigger is a zinc(II)-dipicolylamine (ZnBDPA) coordination complex that selectively targets liposome membranes containing a small amount of anionic phosphatidylserine. Systematic screening of several ZnBDPA complexes uncovered a compound with excellent performance in biological media. Cell culture studies showed triggered release of 5-ALA from stealth liposomes followed by uptake into neighboring mammalian cells and intracellular biosynthesis to form fluorescent PpIX.
Health Status and Quality of Life Among Elderly Public Housing Residents

We compared the quality of life and health status of elderly public housing residents living alone to that of residents living with another person. Those living alone were predominantly women and had significantly better scores on time-use and social interaction domains. On measures of physical health, they were at least as healthy as those living with another person. We conclude that living alone did not place these low-income aged persons at additional risk for worse health outcomes or a diminished quality of life.
Effects of divinyl and diluent contents on the low-temperature relaxations of polymethacrylates

Abstract The internal friction of a series of polymethacrylates is determined by means of a computerized acoustic spectrometer between 80° and 280° K. It is found that the incorporation of tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a comonomer with methyl methacrylate yields a loss peak near 180°K. This peak decreases both in strength and in temperature with decreasing divinyl content. The mechanism for this relaxation is attributed to the micro-Brownian motions of the tetraethoxy moieties. The effect of incorporating diluents in polymethacrylates is the appearance of a new “diluent peak,” which depends on the nature of the diluent. The introduction of di(ethylhexyl) adipate produces a loss peak near 140° K in the methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, and t-butyl esters of methacrylic acid. The presence of tricresyl phosphate, on the other hand, does not yield a new diluent peak. A possible mechanism for the diluent peaks consistent with these observations is the interaction of diluents with the carboxyl groups of the est...
Strangeness Production in S + Pb and p + Pb Collisions at 200 GEV/c Per Nucleon

Strangeness production is believed to be a sensitive indicator of the mechanism of heavy-ion reactions at ultrarelativistic energies. In a quark-gluon plasma (QGP) strange particles may be produced easily in quark-quark and gluon-gluon interactions1. The thresholds are generally lower than those for π+π interaction which are the main source of strangeness production in a hadronic reaction. In real experimental conditions it is unlikely that the QGP and hadron gas phases would be completely separated and one would expect that a mixture of both states would be present. It is useful therefore to examine variables which are expected to be correlated with the creation of QGP. Event multiplicity presents such an opportunity. The quark-gluon plasma would be more likely to be formed for more central collisions where event multiplicity is higher. Simple superposition of p + p collisions would result in a linear increase of strangeness production with event multiplicity. Any deviation from linearity would indicate a different reaction mechanism. An increase of Λ, Λ, and K° production per negative track has been observed by NA35 in the S + S reaction. WA85 experiment did not observe this effect in S + W for central collisions. Data from NA36 extend from low to very high multiplicity and should help to explain the reason for this difference.
Ceramides from the spongeDysidea etheria

Ceramides have been isolated from the polar organic extracts of the spongeDysidea etheria. The ceramides proved to be amides of sphingosine with either normal, saturated fatty acids or saturated α-hydroxy fatty acids. Sphingosine was identified by isolation from the hydrolysis reaction mixture, acetylation and comparison of its physical and spectral properties with those reported for authentic sphingosine triacetate. The acids were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of their respective methyl esters.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF CONTROL AND LEARNING TO PROJECT PERFORMANCE

ABSTRACT Management controls can be divided into two types that can have opposite effects on organizational learning: behavioral controls, which promote efficiency but also stifle much of the learning opportunity, and outcome controls, which foster interaction among stakeholders can add to the learning environment. This article reports on a study that confirms these observations and explores the nature of their direct and indirect influences on project performance. Data from a sample of software development professionals confirms that behavioral controls and learning directly influence project performance, while outcome controls contribute only indirectly through their impact on learning.
Behavioral Plasticity: Modulation Occurs across Time

Abstract Modulatory inputs alter neural network activity, which, for instance, helps explain why mood affects cognition. Some neurons modulate their own networks. This ‘intrinsic' modulatory feedback implies that a network's history could partially determine its present activity.
Biomechanical and functional testing of plate fixation devices for proximal phalangeal fractures

Functional testing in fresh cadaver digits of a dorsally applied mini-H plate, a mini-straight plate, and a laterally applied mini-condylar plate demonstrated that all three significantly reduce ( p
Operators and algebraic structures

Operators in functional languages such as APL and FFP are a useful programming concept. However, this concept cannot be fully exploited in these languages because of certain constraints. It is proposed that an operator should be associated with a structure having the algebraic properties on which the operator's behavior depends. This is illustrated by introducing a language that provides mechanisms for defining structures and operators on them. Using this language, it is possible to describe algorithms abstractly, thus emphasizing the algebraic properties on which the algorithms depend. The role that formal representation of mathematical knowledge can play in the development of programs is illustrated through an example. An approach for associating complexity measures with a structure and operators is also suggested. This approach is useful in analyzing the complexity of algorithms in an abstract setting.
Dynamic route optimization with time-expanded graphs

An important computer calculation in military planning is determining the optimal paths that a set of flying objects (airplanes, cruise missiles, UAVs) should take toward their targets. The current practice is to represent the problem with static graphs, then apply search algorithms (e.g. network flow) that can yield least cost paths. A number of significant problems must be solved in order to determine optimal and realistic paths. These include the difficulty associated with representing dynamic (time dependent) and realistic phenomena, and the associated difficulties of solving the graphs with polynomial-time algorithms. In this paper we discuss the limitations of modeling with graph theoretic techniques, and we present some results that permit significantly more accurate problem representation and solution than the previous state of the art. These include: a new method for graph representation of dynamic of phenomena associated with strike routing; some general relations that are important in modeling with graphs whose edge traversals represent independent probabilistic events; and a number of new models for use in optimizations. Some of the issues and solutions that we present are very general and they are also given detailed discussion in the context of two important military problems: general radar detection representation for optimization, and representation of the overflight problem (the increased threat to strike assets as they repeat flights over threats). Finally, the models and algorithms are considered in relation to single asset routing and joint routing of multiple assets.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Green turtle fibropapillomatosis: challenges to assessing the role of environmental cofactors.

Green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP) is a growing threat to the survival of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) populations worldwide. Recent transmission studies point to an infectious etiology. Seve...
Broad forbidden Ne III line emission and intermediate-density gas around QSO nuclei

A broad emission feature, with a velocity width of the order of 5000 km/s, has been observed near rest wavelength 3870 A in the spectra of three low-redshift QSOs. The line is identified as forbidden Ne III 3869. This broad line may have varied over a time scale of two years, indicating that clouds of intermediate density between 10 to the 8th and 10 to the 11th/cu cm may coexist in the broad-line region. Such clouds would be optically thin, highly ionized, and subject to rapid destruction by radiation pressure.
Intensity changes in a continuous tone: auditory cortical potentials comparison with frequency changes.

Objectives: To examine auditory cortical potentials in normal-hearing subjects to intensity increments in a continuous pure tone at low, mid, and high frequency. Methods: Electrical scalp potentials were recorded in response to randomly occurring 100 ms intensity increments of continuous 250, 1000, and 4000 Hz tones every 1.4 s. The magnitude of intensity change varied between 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 dB above the 80 dB SPL continuous tone. Results: Potentials included N100, P200, and a slow negative (SN) wave. N100 latencies were delayed whereas amplitudes were not affected for 250 Hz compared to 1000 and 4000 Hz. Functions relating the magnitude of the intensity change and N100 latency/amplitude did not differ in their slope among the three frequencies. No consistent relationship between intensity increment and SN was observed. Cortical dipole sources for N100 did not differ in location or orientation between the three frequencies. Conclusions: The relationship between intensity increments and N100 latency/amplitude did not differ between tonal frequencies. A cortical tonotopic arrangement was not observed for intensity increments. Our results are in contrast to prior studies of brain activities to brief frequency changes showing cortical tonotopic organization. Significance: These results suggest that intensity and frequency discrimination employ distinct central processes.
Nature's Historical Crises

For a number of years, those of us interested in developing a more critical relationship between architecture, urbanism, and nature cast suspicion toward the manner in which architects, historians,...
The Effects of Object Variability on the Channelized Hotelling Observer Performance in the Evaluation of R4SSH and PH Myocardial Perfusion SPECT

The purpose of this work is to investigate the effects of different kinds of object variability on the performance of the channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) for detecting defects in myocardial perfusion SPECT using rotating 4-segment slant-hole (R4SSH) and parallel-hole (PH) collimators. In this work, the categories of object variability used were: defect location, uptake ratio and anatomical variations. The effect of each kind of variation alone, the combination of two variations, and mixture of three variations were studied. R4SSH and PH projection data from the 3D NCAT phantom with radioactivity distribution modeling that of Tc-99m Sestamibi were generated using the SIMIND Monte Carlo code. Iterative OS-EM with 4 subsets was used to reconstruct the projections. The number of iteration and the cutoff frequency were optimized for each combination of object variability and imaging method in terms of area under the ROC curve (AUC). The results indicated that R4SSH SPECT allows significantly better myocardial defect detectability than that of PH SPECT when uptake ratio variation alone was included. The differences between defect detectability of R4SSH and PH SPECT became insignificant when defect location and anatomical variations were included in the population. We concluded that, when conducting observer studies to compare different imaging methods, including defect and anatomical variation in the phantom will reduce the statistical power. In clinic, diagnostic accuracy may be improved if radiologists stratify their reading as much as possible.
Reduction of AMPA-selective glutamate receptor subunits in the entorhinal cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease pathology: a biochemical study

Using biochemical techniques we determined concentrations of the AMPA-selective glutamate receptor subunits GluR1 and GluR2/3 in the entorhinal cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease pathology and age-matched controls. Tangle density was also determined in anatomically matched samples and correlated with GluR1 and GluR2/3 receptor concentration. In Alzheimer's disease brain, Western blot analysis revealed average reductions of 43% and 38% for GluR1 and GluR2/3, respectively. Based on previous immunohistochemical studies, we infer that the majority of protein reduction was due to decreases in GluR1 and GluR2/3 immunolabeled elements in the more superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex (layers II and III). These layers of the entorhinal cortex contained numerous neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease, but neither GluR1 nor GluR2/3 protein concentration correlated significantly with tangle density. We hypothesize that the decrease in specific glutamate receptor subunits, particularly GluR2/3, may contribute to the vulnerability of neurons in the entorhinal cortex via mechanisms involving calcium conductance through AMPA-selective channels.
Generation of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons from human embryonic stem cells after coculture with cellular substrates and exposure to GDNF.

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)–positive neurons were generated from human embryonic stem (hES) cells by coculturing on astrocytes or PA6 stromal cells. After 3 to 4 weeks in culture, TH-positive cells with neuronal morphology developed. Coculture with astrocytes from the embryonic striatum produced a larger number of TH-positive cells than did coculture with astrocytes from embryonic mesencephalon (329 ± 149 versus 33 ± 16 TH-positive cells per well, p < .05). In other experiments using PA6 cells as a substrate, glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was added to the media of differentiating hES cells, and this led to a doubling of the number of TH-positive cells (PA6: 443 ± 105 TH-positive cells per well versus PA6 + GDNF: 934 ± 136, p < .05). We conclude that substrates of striatal astrocytes and PA6 cells can promote differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to a TH-positive phenotype and that GDNF can increase the number of cells expressing that phenotype.
Device-spectroscopy of magnetic field effects in several different polymer organic light-emitting diodes

We perform charge-induced absorption and electroluminescence spectroscopy in a set of organic magnetoresistive devices made from different π-conjugated polymers. These experiments measure the singlet exciton, triplet exciton and polaron densities in live devices under an applied magnetic field. In most devices we find that the singlet exciton, triplet exciton and polaron densities and conductivity all increase with increasing magnetic field. However, in regio-regular polythiophene devices the polaron density decreases with increasing field. Our experiments test the predictions of three different models that were proposed to explain organic magnetoresistance. These models are based on different spin-dependent interactions, namely exciton formation, triplet-exciton polaron quenching and bipolaron formation.
Psychoanalysis, a gay spatial science?

Psychoanalysis is primarily a praxis devoted to curing psychic distress. While human geographers are well acquainted with the theoretical insights of psychoanalysis, there are few spatial analyses of how its theories are put to work in its clinical methods, techniques and practices. The thesis of this paper is that an investigation of the intense spatialities in psychoanalytic sessions can further understandings of psychoanalytic theory and its relevance to critical geographic inquiry. I argue that the transferential forces of play, desire and affect in Donald Winnicott and Jacques Lacan's psychoanalytic treatment of analysands is a realization of, or at least comparable to what Friedrich Nietzsche called a 'gay science'. In proposing a historical precedent to psychoanalysis, I draw on a constellation of meanings associated with the category 'gay' in order to map some spatial nuances of psychoanalytic praxis. The paper focuses on the case studies of Winnicott's 're-mothering' of a male analysand and conte...
Intraindividual in vivo comparison of gadolinium contrast agents for pharmacokinetic analysis using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: To compare the intraindividual differences of dynamic signal characteristics for 3 gadolinium chelates (gadopentetate dimeglumine GdDTPA, gadodiamide Gd-DTPA-BMA, and gadobenate dimeglumine GdBOPTA) using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (DCE-MRI) with a preclinical beagle model at 7 Tesla. Method and Materials: Seven beagles were scanned 3 times each with a 7-day interval between the scans on a 7T whole body MRI system (Achieva, Philips) using a T/R head coil. Three different Gd contrast agents including Gd-DTPA, Gd-DTPABMA, and Gd-BOPTA were injected in a randomized order with a power injector (Spectris, MedRad, Indianola, PA) using dose of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight and flow rate of 0.06 mL/s. During image acquisition and data analysis, the identity of the specific contrast agent used for each examination was blinded. A 3D RF-spoiled fast field echo sequence was used for dynamic scans with in-plane spatial resolution 0.47 0.47 mm 2 , temporal resolution of 9.5 seconds, and a total of 60 time points. Regions of interest were drawn within the carotid arteries and muscle tissue to determine semiquantitative parameters including maximum enhancement ratio, area under the signal enhancement curve over 90 seconds after contrast injection (AUC_90), time to maximum signal enhancement (Tmax), and washout_score. Additionally, quantitative pharmacokinetic parameters were measured in muscle tissues by applying 3 separate 2-compartment models; (1) artery input function (AIF) based Tofts model, (2) Brix model without AIF, and (3) AIF decomposed refined Brix model. Results: Gd-BOPTA produced higher signal to noise ratio on postcontrast T1- weighted images than the other 2 Gd based contrast agents at 7T. Quantitatively, Gd-BOPTA provided a significantly higher maximum enhancement ratio (P 0.01), AUC_90 (P 0.01) and washout_score (P 0.01) in beagle musculature and cranial vasculature compared with both Gd-DTPA and Gd-DTPA-BMA. Among all the quantitative pharmacokinetic parameters, only the exchange rate constants (kep) calculated from these 3 models did not show a significant difference among the various contrast agents. Conclusions: Gd chelate containing MR contrast agents can be used at 7T for DCEMRI. Gd-BOPTA demonstrates stronger signal enhancement than standard Gd chelates, in concordance with the results of studies at lower fields. The observed enhancement characteristics for the 3 contrast agents demonstrate that the pharmacokinetic parameter kep is more robust in various models using DCE-MRI than the other pharmacokinetic parameters. This information is important relative to multisite clinical trials and longterm clinical studies that often use several different contrast agents and different models.
Learning characteristics of transpose-form LMS adaptive filters

Transpose-form filter structures have several advantages over direct-form structures for high-speed, parallel implementation of finite impulse response (FIR) filters. Transpose-form least mean square (LMS) adaptive filter architectures are often used in parallel implementations; however, the behavior of these filters differs from the standard LMS algorithm and has not been adequately studied. A method for determining the maximum convergence factor yielding convergence of the mean of the transpose-form LMS adaptive filter taps is developed. The analysis reveals the great similarity of transpose-form LMS adaptive filters to delayed-update LMS adaptive filters, which have been much more fully characterized. >
KCNE1 and KCNE2 Inhibit Forward Trafficking of Homomeric N-Type Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels

Potassium currents generated by voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels comprising α-subunits from the Kv1, 2, and 3 subfamilies facilitate high-frequency firing of mammalian neurons. Within these subfamilies, only three α-subunits (Kv1.4, Kv3.3, and Kv3.4) generate currents that decay rapidly in the open state because an N-terminal ball domain blocks the channel pore after activation—a process termed N-type inactivation. Despite its importance to shaping cellular excitability, little is known of the processes regulating surface expression of N-type α-subunits, versus their slowly inactivating (delayed rectifier) counterparts. Here we found that currents generated by homomeric Kv1.4, Kv3.3, and Kv3.4 channels are all strongly suppressed by the single transmembrane domain ancillary (β) subunits KCNE1 and KCNE2. A combination of electrophysiological, biochemical, and immunofluorescence analyses revealed this suppression is due to KCNE1 and KCNE2 retaining Kv1.4 and Kv3.4 intracellularly, early in the secretory pathway. The retention is specific, requires α-β coassembly, and does not involve the dynamin-dependent endocytosis pathway. However, the small fraction of Kv3.4 that escapes KCNE-dependent retention is regulated by dynamin-dependent endocytosis. The findings illustrate two contrasting mechanisms controlling surface expression of N-type Kv α-subunits and therefore, potentially, cellular excitability and refractory periods.
Analysis of aliphatic biopolymers using thermochemolysis with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract Selected aliphatic biopolyesters (cutins, cuticles and a suberin) isolated from different plants have been analyzed using thermochemolysis with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). This method consists of a high-temperature saponification/transesterification, and yields methyl esters of fatty acids and the methyl ethers of alcohols, which are subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The main compounds produced from the analyzed samples correspond to the methyl derivatives of long-chain fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids and α,ω-alkanedioic acids. The composition of the released compounds are similar to those reported in the literature using different depolymerization methods. The main advantage of the procedure is that it is easily performed in glass tubes with very low amounts of sample and without additional derivatization steps prior to gas chromatographic analysis because the products are methylated in situ. The method also avoids the laborious and time consuming sample preparation of extractive methods and the use of large amounts of solvents.
Does Legalized Gambling Elevate the Risk of Suicide? An Analysis of U.S. Counties and Metropolitan Areas

This study addresses a possible link between suicide and casino gambling. Resident suicide rates are analyzed for (a) a 1990 cross-section of 148 U.S. metropolitan areas and (b) before and after the advent of legalized casinos in five U.S. counties. Data are drawn from government and gaming industry sources. In cross-section, metro area suicide is strongly correlated with region, accidental death and homicide rates, age and race composition, and economic vitality, followed by a modest net positive correlation with casino presence. By contrast, the time series analysis yields no evidence of a gambling effect.
Function and structure of voltage-dependent potassium channels

Voltage-dependent potassium (K+) channels are the largest group of voltage-dependent ion channels and more cDNAs have been cloned for voltage-dependent K+ channels than for voltage-dependent Na+, Ca2+, and Cl− channels, the other main categories of voltage-dependent ion channels. The cloning result was anticipated from electrophysiological measurements because K+ currents are by far the most diverse of voltage-dependent ion currents. In this review K+ currents will be classified functionally first and structurally second, an arrangement that follows the historical development of the field. Then, we will examine present attempts to assign the major functions of voltage-sensing, gating and ion conduction to specific domains of K+ channel proteins. Finally, we will describe present understanding of drug interactions with the ion conduction pathway or pore of K+ channel proteins. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A stiffness degradation model for composite laminates under fatigue loading

Abstract An investigation has been conducted for the purpose of evaluating the stiffness degradation of composite laminates during fatigue loading. Based on this investigation, a model is proposed that is capable of predicting the stiffness degradation in composite laminates. This model is based on an assumed relationship between the failure stiffness and the applied stress. An experimental program comprised of a number of static and fatigue tests using coupon specimens of graphite/epoxy [±35] 2S laminates was carried out for the purpose of evaluating the model.
Qualitative Research in Organizational and Vocational Psychology, 1979–1999

In this essay, qualitative research is shown to consist of a set of methods that fits very nicely with some of the research questions asked by organizational and vocational psychologists. Because many researchers want additional tools, interest in these qualitative techniques appears to be growing. Two metagoals of this article are (a) to bolster this growing interest and (b) to inspire readers of the Journal of Vocational Behavior (JVB) to learn more about these qualitative methods. In keeping with the spirit of JVB's annual reviews, we describe the body of qualitative studies reported by organizational and vocational researchers. Because these techniques may be relatively new to many readers of JVB, exemplary studies and specific best practices are highlighted and recommended as possible templates for future research. In addition, substantive issues are identified and discussed. In the final section, lessons and conclusions are drawn.
Is mechanically bridging patients with a failing cardiac graft to retransplantation an effective therapy? Analysis of the United Network of Organ Sharing database

Background The results of bridging patients with cardiac allograft failure to retransplantation (ReTx) with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) have not been well studied. The United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was used to analyze outcomes of patients successfully bridged with MCS to cardiac ReTx. Methods Of 1,690 cardiac ReTx identified in the UNOS database from October 1987 to July 2011, 149 (8.8%) were bridged to ReTx with MCS. Results Patients bridged to ReTx with MCS had a poorer survival than patients not bridged ( p p = 0.026). For patients bridged to ReTx, graft survival was 40% for ReTx within 1 year of primary Tx vs 64% ( p = 0.003). When ReTx was performed 1 year after cardiac Tx, survival was similar in patients bridged with a VAD and those not bridged (mean, 7.5 vs 8.7 years; p = 0.8). Survival for patients bridged to ReTx with ECMO was consistently worse ( p ≤ 0.05) in all analyses. The 1-year survival of ReTx after VAD performed in 2003 to 2011 (67%) was better than in the earlier era of 1987 to 2002 (37%, p = 0.005). Conclusions Bridging patients to ReTx with ECMO at any time is not advisable. Bridging patients with MCS to ReTx within 1 year of primary cardiac Tx is not advisable. Survival after ReTx for patients bridged by VAD has improved considerably over time. Patients who survive the first year after cardiac Tx can be bridged by VAD to ReTx with an expectation that outcomes can be similar to ReTx patients who did not require MCS.
Malplacement of ventricular catheters by neurosurgeons: a single institution experience.

The placement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion devices requires an appropriate technical expertise associated with proper surgical training in order to minimize undue complications. This study sought to review a single institution’s experience with placement of external ventricular drains (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts as performed by neurosurgeons with procedure-specific training. A retrospective database review was conducted for all patients who underwent intraventricular CSF diversion over a 5-year period from March 2003 to February 2008. Included in the analysis were ventriculostomy procedures that included EVDs, VP shunts, and ventriculoatrial shunts. A total of 138 patients underwent 212 ventriculostomy procedures. Seventy-one (51%) patients were male and sixty-seven (49%) were female. The median age was 50.1 years. A ventriculostomy-related hemorrhage was identified in 15 (7.1%) patients—4 of whom developed new symptoms. Twenty-six (12.3%) ventriculostomy catheters were malplaced as determined from post-procedural imaging. Ventriculostomy-related infections were identified in 7 (3.3%) patients, 4 of whom had EVDs and 3 of whom had VP shunts. The placement of intraventricular catheters by neurosurgeons remains a relatively safe and effective procedure that is associated with infrequent rates of symptomatic hemorrhage and infection.
Conformational change in the NADP(H) binding domain of transhydrogenase defines four states

Proton-translocating transhydrogenase (TH) couples direct and stereospecific hydride transfer between NAD(H) and NADP(H), bound to soluble domains dI and dIII, respectively, to proton translocation across a membrane bound domain, dII. The reaction occurs with proton-gradient coupled conformational changes, which affect the energetics of substrate binding and interdomain interactions. The crystal structure of TH dIII from Rhodospirillum rubrum has been determined in the presence of NADPH (2.4 A) and NADP (2.1 A) (space group P6(1)22). Each structure has two molecules in the asymmetric unit, differing in the conformation of the NADP(H) binding loop D. In one molecule, loop D has an open conformation, with the B face of (dihydro)nicotinamide exposed to solvent. In the other molecule, loop D adopts a hitherto unobserved closed conformation, resulting in close interactions between NADP(H) and side chains of the highly conserved residues, betaSer405, betaPro406, and betaIle407. The conformational change shields the B face of (dihydro)nicotinamide from solvent, which would block hydride transfer in the intact enzyme. It also alters the environments of invariant residues betaHis346 and betaAsp393. However, there is little difference in either the open or the closed conformation upon change in oxidation state of nicotinamide, i.e., for NADP vs. NADPH. Consequently, the occurrence of two loop D conformations for both substrate oxidation states gives rise to four states: NADP-open, NADP-closed, NADPH-open, and NADPH-closed. Because these states are distinguished by protein conformation and by net charge they may be important in the proton translocating mechanism of intact TH.
Intraovarian Localization of Luteinizing Hormone/ Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Stimulation of Testosterone and Estradiol Synthesis in the Pregnant Rat*

The objective of this investigation was to determine whether LH acts directly on luteal cells to stimulate testosterone and estradiol synthesis or whether it stimulates follicular and/or interstitial production of androgen and thus provides androgen substrate for luteal cell production of estradiol. Pregnant rats were injected with 1.5 IU human CG (hCG) twice daily sc between days 12 and 14. On day 14, blood was obtained from both the jugular and ovarian vein. Corpora lutea (CL), follicles, and interstitium were isolated and incubated at 37 C for 4 h. Estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone levels were measured in the peripheral circulation, ovarian vein plasma, tissues, and medium. After hCG treatment, no ovulation occurred, rats remained pregnant, and progesterone levels in the serum and in the ovarian vein plasma remained unchanged. In contrast, estradiol and testosterone levels in the ovarian vein increased from 0.7 ± 0.1 and 0.6 ± 3.4 ng/ml, respectively, in vehicle-treated rats to 12.5 ± 3.5 and 4...